Recently, the WHO Botswana team led by the WHO Representative, Dr Fabian Ndenzako, paid a visit to the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) Laboratory in Gaborone. The purpose of the visit was to better understand the current operations, strengths, and challenges faced by NBTS, and to explore areas where WHO can offer technical support to strengthen the country’s blood transfusion system. 

  Dr Ndenzako commended the NBTS team for their dedication in ensuring a safe and adequate blood supply across the country. He emphasized WHO’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Health to align national blood services with global standards and ensure the quality, safety, and availability of blood and blood products.

Botswana has made commendable progress in blood collection; however, this still falls short of the national target of 45,000 units per annum, indicating ongoing challenges in meeting the country’s blood supply needs. Strengthening systems for voluntary donation, particularly among youth and other low-risk populations, remains essential.

This engagement marks an important step towards developing a stronger, more sustainable, and well-coordinated national blood system that serves all communities in Botswana.