NamBTS urges blood donations ahead of festive season
The Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NamBTS) is calling on all eligible donors to support its Red Saturday initiative on 13 December, as rising national demand for blood continues to place pressure on supplies heading into the festive season.NamBTS, the sole body mandated to collect, test and distribute blood in the country, reports a marked increase in blood use over the past year, particularly for maternity and cancer-related treatments. Despite this heightened demand, hospitals have consistently had sufficient blood available a success NamBTS attributes to the commitment of voluntary, non-remunerated donors.
With the festive period approaching, the organisation warns that maintaining healthy blood stocks becomes increasingly challenging as many regular donors travel for the holidays. Increased road traffic and a higher incidence of accidents during this period further amplify the need for readily available blood.
To bolster supplies, NamBTS will host Red Saturday blood donation clinics at the following locations on 13 December:
35 Tal Street, Windhoek – 08:00 to 14:00
Maerua Mall, Windhoek – 09:00 to 15:00
Game, Oshakati – 09:00 to 15:30
Dunes Mall, Swakopmund – 09:00 to 15:30
Eligible donors must be between 16 and 70 years old (upon first donation), weigh over 50kg, live a sexually safe lifestyle, and have eaten within four hours before donating. NamBTS centres will be closed on 25 and 26 December, as well as 2 January 2026.
Zita Tobin, Manager for Marketing and Donor Relations, urged Namibians to donate ahead of the holiday period, saying:
“We give heartfelt thanks to all who continue to donate and save up to three lives at a time. As we enter the festive season, we appeal to eligible donors to help boost blood stocks and ensure every patient in need receives life-saving treatment. We wish everyone a safe and blessed festive season.”
For more information, contact NamBTS at [email protected] or 083 378 7000. Media enquiries may be directed to Frieda Vatileni-Asino at +264 83 378 7056 or [email protected]