Stanbic Bank Botswana Partners with Botswana National Blood Transfusion Service on Fill Up the Blood Bank

• Committed to sustainable impact in minimising national blood shortage
• National Blood Transfusion Centre estimates that 1 pint of blood can save 3 lives

GABORONE: In an ongoing effort to support the national blood donation drive, Stanbic Bank Botswana joined forces once again with the Botswana National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS), under the theme #FillUpTheBank, to raise awareness and encourage staff, customers, and the public at large to become regular donors.

To drive this partnership, the Bank will set up blood donation stations across key areas including Stanbic Bank branches and head office. The bank joined NBTS on country-wide activations in Mopipi, Mmatshumu, Orapa and Letlhakane respectively.

Free basic health screenings for all donors, including blood pressure, hemoglobin levels were conducted together with general health assessments. Educational booths were also set up with information about the importance of blood donation, eligibility criteria, and the impact of donations on the community.

In Botswana, it is estimated that 1 pint of blood can save 3 lives (source: National Blood Transfusion Centre). At present, the national demand for blood sees 45,000 units (pints) required within the NBTC at any given time. The current donor levels, however, see only 20,000 to 25,000 units being donated on average per year.

Said Stanbic Bank Botswana Head of People and Culture, Pinkie Douglas ;At Stanbic Bank Botswana, we are committed to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. With the recent decline in blood donations in Botswana, our partnership with the Botswana National Blood Transfusion Service comes at a crucial time when blood is much needed.

By working together, we can ensure a reliable supply of safe blood, making a significant impact on the health and well-being of our community. Empowering employees and our customers about donating blood on its own fosters a sense of community and solidarity.

It brings people together for a common cause, highlighting the interconnectedness and mutual support that strengthen communities.” In the true sense of community effort, the Blood Donation Drive is open to all who would like to donate blood and contribute to the worthy cause provided they meet the basic eligibility requirements as prescribed by NBTC.

Criteria includes:
 All individuals who weigh 50kg and above and are 16 to 65 years old are eligible to donate blood.
 One must be healthy, not be on any medical treatment and is advised to have eaten 4 hours or less before donation.
 One must not drink alcohol or take any treatment/drugs before donation.

“At Stanbic Bank, we are dedicated to the growth of Botswana and its people. We will continue to work hand in hand with the government to improve the lives of all Batswana. We applaud all those who have donated blood and encourage more people to do so to save lives”, concluded Pinkie Douglas.

The Botswana National Blood Transfusion Service is dedicated to collecting, testing, processing, and distributing blood and blood products to hospitals and clinics across Botswana. Their mission is to ensure that all patients in need of blood transfusions have access to safe and sufficient blood supplies, thereby improving patient care and saving lives.