The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has recommitted to strengthening systems that will ensure safe, effective, and sustainable blood transfusion service.
The commitment was made at the opening of the Africa Society for Blood Transfusion 12th International Congress in Windhoek.
Health Minister Esperance Luvindao says blood is a life-saving resource.
In Namibia, the blood is collected and distributed by the Namibia Blood Transfusion Service.
Blood donation is done on a voluntary basis without remuneration, after which it is screened within the legal frameworks to ensure safe and efficient services.
"It's important that we find a better way on how to assist in getting and ensuring that donors come on board in ensuring that the cabinet ministers come on board to donate blood frequently and ensuring that the head of state comes and donates too in order to ensure that we rally the support from the entire nation," reiterated Dr Luvindao.
Luvindao noted that globally, there is a significant disparity in how blood is handled.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 128 countries have national guidelines on the clinical use of blood, including 32 African states.
However, concerns remain over how effectively these guidelines are implemented.
It is reported that key systems such as hospital transfusion committees and reporting mechanisms for adverse transfusion events are still not fully in place in many lower-middle-income countries.
The Health Minister adds, "These statistics are not just numbers; they represent lives and the possibility to impact more people at a wider scale. They highlight a gap that might exist, perhaps in monitoring safety as it may be, but leaders and practitioners must close it, and so the goal is to ensure that we strive that our safety protocols match the generosity of the donors."
"Blood transfusion in Africa continues to face significant challenges. Many of our countries struggle with limited resources, breaching the gaps, inadequate funding and a shortage of regular and safe regular blood donors. We also face logistical barriers in reaching rural populations," says president of the Africa Society for Blood Transfusion Professor Saliou Diop.
The four-day congress thus seeks to identify gaps and strengthen Africa's quality systems, regulatory framework, data systems, capacity building and research in blood transfusion.