The Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NamBTS) will on Sunday mark the 22nd anniversary of World Blood Donor Day.

The day will be celebrated under the global theme "One Drop of Humanity: Give Blood. Save Lives." 

The celebration highlights the vital contribution of voluntary blood donors in maintaining the country's national health system.

Health officials and representatives from the NamBTS emphasised that the consistent supply of safe blood and blood products is made possible solely by the selflessness of volunteer donors.

Regular donor Marvellous Nafuka, who has donated blood more than three times, said donating gave him more reason to take care of himself and his health whilst saving lives. 

"Blood is something that cannot be manufactured in a laboratory. It can only come through generous people who are willing to donate every day. Every day hospitals need blood for accident victims, mothers during childbirth, patients going into surgery, cancer patients and many others whose lives depend on blood transfusions. A single blood donation can help and save multiple lives. For me, blood donation is one of the simplest acts of kindness a patient can do. It costs nothing and takes only a short amount of time and has the power to give someone another chance to live."

Blood transfusion recipient Calistus Mahindi said he is alive today because of someone's courage to donate blood.

"Without the Namibia Blood Transfusion Service and dedicated blood donors such as those gathered here this evening, this procedure and the Congress would not have been possible.The blood transfusions that I have received throughout my life would not have been possible. It is because of donors like you that I am able to have a good quality of life and to contribute meaningfully to my family and community. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all blood donors and to the Namibia Blood Transfusion Service for literally being lifesavers."

Speaking on the impact of these heroic efforts, the Chief Executive Officer of NAMBTS, Israel Chipare, reiterated that despite Namibia's small population, the dedication of its active donor base has historically placed the country among those with the safest blood supply globally, largely free of paid or replacement donations.

"However, even as we celebrate these milestones, we must remain realistic about the hard work we face. Our national blood system confronts persistent challenges that threaten the long-term sustainability of our blood supply. For example, we still have this very small number. Only time is functioning for a population of just about 1% actively free-donating blood. Yet the clinical demand for blood is rising. So our average demand goes out by 5% to 7%."

In recognition of Blood Donor Month in June, NamBTS has scheduled special Saturday and weekday blood drives across the country.