Staff Reporter
OTJIWARONGO’S Mayor, Gottlieb Shivute, is urging other local authorities across the country to support blood donation initiatives to ensure that the country has enough supply when the need arises.
Shivute’s remarks follow a blood donation drive hosted in Otjiwarongo on 25 July 2024, organised by the Municipality of Otjiwarongo, the Otjozondjupa Regional Council, the Namibian Blood Transfusion Service (NAMBTS), and Shincheonji Church volunteers.
“I am also urging all other local authorities to emulate this initiative and make these events a success because blood is one of the commodities that are needed in our health sector,” Shivute said.
SAVING LIVES: Scenes from blood donation drive in Otjiwarongo. Photos: Shincheonji Church. 
SAVING LIVES: Scenes from blood donation drive in Otjiwarongo. Photos: Shincheonji Church. 
SAVING LIVES: Scenes from blood donation drive in Otjiwarongo. Photos: Shincheonji Church. 
SAVING LIVES: Scenes from blood donation drive in Otjiwarongo. Photos: Shincheonji Church. 
SAVING LIVES: Scenes from blood donation drive in Otjiwarongo. Photos: Shincheonji Church.
The mayor’s call was further emphasised by the Otjozondjupa Governor, James Uerikua, who highlighted that a single blood donation can save three lives. The governor therefore encouraged local governments to support NAMBTS in maintaining an adequate blood supply for emergencies. He advised local authorities to take charge of coordinating logistics with relevant agencies and ensuring effective communication with the public.
NAMBTS’ Senior Marketing Officer, Michael Sheyavali, explained that the organisation still aims to collect more blood and hopes that donations will increase as the year progresses.
“We are still in the seventh month of the year. We’re still trying to get to a level where we have a ten-day supply. Currently, we are pushing at six or seven days’ supply,” he said.
Sheyavali highlighted that NAMBTS faces challenges when it comes to raising awareness for blood donation drives. However, he added, by partnering with other organisations, such as the Otjiwarongo Municipality, the Otjozondjupa Regional Council, and Shincheonji Church, they are able to get the word out and reach a wider audience.
“Through your platforms and organisations, they assist us in creating more numbers, getting the word out there, creating more awareness for people who are not able to reach us on our platforms,” Sheyavali said.
