MBTS wants more Malawians to donate blood
The Malawi Blood Transfusion Services (MBTS) has encouraged people to donate blood which, they say, becomes scarce when schools close.
Most schools are expected to close on March 29 and MBTS says most of its donors are students.
In an interview on the sidelines of a blood donation drive from members of Baps Charities who belong to Swaminarayan Temple in Lilongwe yesterday, MBTS nursing officer Mary Mwafulirwa said there are misconceptions surrounding blood which makes many people fear donating.
She said: “There is a shortage of blood at MBTS and we need people to donate. The problem becomes worse when schools have closed. If Malawians can change their mindset then we will not be having challenges with availability of blood in our banks.”
When The Nation visited the Swaminarayan Temple, blood donors were seen in a relaxed mood.
Two of the donors, Karesh Panchal and Hiren Patel, said donating blood is a sacred gift because blood saves lives.
A similar exercise took place in Blantyre and Mzuzu and MBTS was expecting to collect 200 pints, with Blantyre and Lilongwe contributing 75 each and Mzuzu 50 pints.
