By Agatha Kadzinje

Blantyre, December 25, Mana: In an attempt to meet the demand for blood due to malaria cases and road accidents, Malawi Blood Transfusion Services (MBTS) has called upon those eligible to donate blood to save lives during this festive season.

In a press statement released on December 20, 2024, MBTS announced plans to conduct blood donation campaigns across the nation to supply blood to authorized hospitals and save the lives of patients requiring blood transfusions.

“These activities will be conducted in various churches, villages and trading centres. Therefore, the requirements for a donor include healthy males and females aged between 16 and 65 years, with a body weight of at least 45kg and who are not anemic,” read the statement.

MBTS also disclosed that during the 2023/2024 financial year, they collected over 122,000 units of blood, which saved many lives, including accident victims, cancer patients, anemic children and mothers with pregnancy complications.

As part of its mandate, MBTS collects, tests, processes and supplies safe and adequate blood and blood products to all patients who require blood transfusions in authorized hospitals across Malawi.

Health expert, Maziko Matemba told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday that Malawians must develop the habit of donating blood regularly to help meet the demand for blood in hospitals.

“Blood plays a crucial role in the human body and without it, the body cannot function,” Matemba explained.

Matemba also urged Malawians to avoid activities that could endanger their lives, noting that the high rate of accidents during the festive season could be reduced.

“Malawians should report to their nearest hospital if they experience any form of body malfunction, rather than waiting until after the festive season,” Matemba advised.

Matemba commended MBTS for their timely appeal, emphasizing that this period sees an increased need for blood due to malaria and road accidents, although the need for blood persists throughout the year.