Malawi Blood Transfusion Service (MBTS) has increased the attempt of blood collection in the districts of Balaka, Mangochi, Ntcheu, and Machinga.

According to Edith Chimphamba, Head of Balaka MBTS said they have increased blood collection in nine months by 67% in 2021-2022 compared in 2020-2021 where the department collected 59%.

“The blood collection dropped in 2020-2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions which lead to closure of schools which is our main collection points and the reduction of public gatherings”, she said

Chimphamba added that due to what they faced in 2020-2021 situations the service is using other alternatives like going in communities, townships to motivate new breeds and existed ones to donate blood and save lives.

“We link up with other stakeholders such as District hospital officers, Malawi Red Cross Society and chiefs to give us entry points and assist in the interventions. We expect to reach out the target this year through tirelessly engaging the communities up until we fulfill our dream of blood availability in all hospitals,” Said Chimphamba

Mercy Nyirenda Public Relations Officer for Balaka District Hospital thanked MBTS for the effort they are using to ensure the availability of blood this year compared in the past where the hospitals were having shortage of blood supply.

“We are along the M1 road as such we receive so many victims of road traffic accidents who most of the times require blood infusion, in this case having increase levels of blood is a blessing to the hospital and those we serve,” Nyirenda said.

Balaka MBTS repository serves 10 hospitals in the four districts of Balaka, Ntcheu, Machinga and Mangochi.