Namibia's Blood Transfusion Services (NamBTS) is grappling with a severe shortage of blood and blood products, posing a significant challenge for patients in hospitals and medical centres across the country.

According to Namibia's Blood Transfusion Services Spokesperson, Titus Shivute, the current blood levels have reached a critical low, especially during the start of the festive season, jeopardising the ability to meet the demand for transfusions.

This shortage is especially worrisome as it affects a wide range of medical scenarios, particularly given the alarming number of car accidents during the festive season.

The blood transfusion services of Namibia is experiencing critically low levels of blood and blood products countrywide, and we appeal to the public to donate blood to help remedy the situation. We have observed an increase in the demand of blood over the festive season."

Shivute is urging those eligible to donate blood to replenish the declining supply, describing it as a critical matter. 

"We have observed a decline in donations, especially during the festive season, and a deficit over the festive season.
We currently have something we call a 2-day blood stock that we have stocked up over the 2 days if no significant donations are done, and the ideal blood stock level is 9 to 12-day blood stock."

NamBTS will continue with numerous blood drives and mobile units across the country to facilitate easier access for donors.