Malawi Blood Transfusion Services (MBTS) has said it has a shortage of ‘O’ negative blood type in its blood banks across the country.

This has been said by M7BTS spokesperson Allen Kaombe ahead of World Blood Donor day which is scheduled to be commemorated on June 15 in Lilongwe.

Kaombe said ‘O’ negative blood type is rare but at the same it is an important blood type because it can be transferred to people with different blood types.

 “O’ negative blood type is very rare in most cases; so, the collection of this type of blood has been very difficult,” Kaombe said.

Kaombe added that as one way of collecting more blood, MBTS has intensified awareness campaigns urging people to donate more blood.

Kaombe pointed out that from July 2018 to date, MBTS had collected 63,000 units of blood against targeted 80,000 units.

Malawi needs 120,000 units of blood to cater for the needs of patients across the country.

Commenting on the upcoming event, Kaombe said it will focus on raising awareness on the importance of donating blood as they have been communicating.

“The upcoming event focuses on raising awareness on the role of safe, timely, accessible blood and blood products in helping people in need of blood transfusion in hospitals,” he said.

MBTS collects more blood during school summer holidays.

This year’s commemorations will be held under the theme ‘Safe Blood for All’.