The country's blood supply is currently at a critical level. The spokesperson for the Namibian Blood Transfusion Service (NamBTS), Frieda Asino-Vatilemi, says there is only enough blood to last for this week, placing the country in a crisis.
Asino-Vatilemi said the shortage is a serious concern, as blood is needed daily to save lives.
She also highlighted several factors placing pressure on the national blood supply.
"The main factors affecting the country's blood stock are the holiday period and the festive season. Many donors travelled and spent time with their families, making them unavailable to donate. At the same time, blood usage in December is very high due to an increase in motor vehicle accidents. Mothers continue to give birth, cancer patients still require treatment, people with autoimmune diseases need ongoing care, and premature babies are still being born. All of this increases demand and puts immense pressure on the system."
NamBTS says all positive and negative blood groups are urgently needed, as they can be used for patients of different blood types, especially during emergencies.
Blood shortages are common in December, as many people travel or focus on festive activities.
Supplies also tend to decline during winter, when potential donors fall ill and are unable to donate.
Asino-Vatilemi further outlined the steps NamBTS is taking to stabilise and rebuild blood reserves.
"We are currently mobilising our teams across the country to host mobile blood donation clinics. Our teams visit malls and public areas in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Oshakati to encourage people to donate. We urge all eligible Namibians to come forward and donate blood to save a life or give someone a second chance at life. To be eligible, donors must be between 16 and 70 years old at their first donation, weigh more than 50 kilograms, lead a sexually safe lifestyle, and have eaten at least four hours before donating. Most importantly, donors must be committed to helping others," she added.
The current blood stock is expected to last only until Saturday this week