17 Nov 2021

Botswana, which has only ever collected slightly over half of its needed life-saving blood, is in an even dire  situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The country needs at least 45 000 pints annually but has only ever collected 26 000.

This year, largely owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, donations have plunged further to 18 640 to date.

Health and wellness minister Dr Edwin Dikoloti revealed this in Gaborone Monday during the launch of Hack4Blood, a blood donation campaign by  the ministry, Spectrum Analytics and Stanbic Bank Botswana.

He said the collaboration was the result of the perennial blood supply deficit, coupled with the approaching festive season which  made blood donation even more urgent.

Through the partnership,  Spectrum Analytics would lead multiple campaigns to mobilise people for  donating blood, he said.

Mr Dikoloti said the collaboration was a national call for everyone to pool resources towards achieving the national blood collection target.

He said blood was needed for patients requiring amongst others surgery, cancer treatment and transfusion.

“Continued absence of blood in the bodies of those who need it can cause some health complications including those that can affect some critical organs like kidneys, spleen and the liver. It is for this reason that we must always overemphasise the importance of donating blood in order that many lives in need of such blood are saved and possible health complications averted,” he said.

Minister Dikoloti said the theme for the campaign was: Fill a heart this festive: Give blood, share life.

The campaign runs from November 15 to January 15 next year.

Spectrum Analytics representative, Mr Tebogo Mogaleemang said his company had decided to assist government to mobilise donors and gather donations.

He expressed the hope that the campaign would also shed light on why Batswana were not eager to donate.

A representative from Stanbic Bank, Mr Larona Makgoeng said the institution  found it fit to socially invest in recognition of the fact that it existed because of customers. Ends