Background

Inadequate blood in Malawi hospitals is still  a major challenge. Annual Requirement of blood is now 120,000 blood units annually.  Malawi Blood Transfusion Service  (MBTS) which is the only body mandated to process blood in the country is failing to meet the blood demand as it only manages to collect 70% of the required units.  In order to contribute to increased access and  adequate supply of blood in Malawi, Malawi Red Cross has partnered with MBTS to implement a 3 year ( 2017-2019) Project in Blood Donor Recruitment. This Project is being implemented in Blantyre and Lilongwe targeting TA Nsomba and Lundu in Blantyre and TA kabudula and Khongoni in Lilongwe. Target population is 245,300 people from the target areas. As an auxiliary body to Government MRCS in the target areas works in collaboration with District Health Offices and health extension staff at community level. Furthermore it also works with local government developmental structures such as ADC and VDC.

Overall Objective

Reduction of morbidity and mortality because of improved Blood Transfusion Service

Specific Objectives:

• To Improve efficiency of Blood donor recruitment and collection
• To increase access to safe blood

Main Activities

• Community sensitization meetings
• Awareness campaigns
• Support MBTS to collect Blood

Establishment and Supporting Club 25 groups