MBTS upbeat Blood Collection

By: Eric Nantchengwa

The Malawi Blood Transfusion Service-MBTS says it has registered great improvement in as far as lobbying people to come forward and donate blood.

For decades blood donation has been faced with mixed reactions from people. While others have had the clear understanding that blood donation helps in saving the lives of those who are in-dire need of it in hospitals and elsewhere, some people were still working on the misconception that donated blood is used for rituals.

MBTS target to collect 1000 units of blood annually, a thing, which is turning out to be a success story. Nevertheless, MBTS because only manages to collect half of their targeted units each year.

According to MBTS Central Region Assistant Public Relations Officer Chikumbutso Mbendera, in the year 2015, they managed to collect 500 units of blood. This rarely happens and MBTS can light at the end of the tunnel.

‘‘We are really making huge progress in collecting the blood and lobbying for new blood donors and this has been the case because we embarked on the awareness campaigns to sensitize people on the impact of donating blood’’, he said.

Gondwe said that their progress has also come about through the good relationship they have with their partners such as Red Cross, communities and various schools in advocating for the importance of donating blood and saving lives.

Malawi Blood Transfusion Service says it will strengthen its advocacy strategy towards lobbying for more new blood donors and strive to reach the target of 1000 units blood collection this year.