The Zambia National Blood Transfusion Service (ZNBTS) has refuted recent allegations suggesting that donated blood in the country is contaminated, assuring the public that all stored blood is safe for medical use.
ZNBTS Director, Dr. Joseph Mulenga, addressed the concerns in an interview with ZNBC, stating that reports circulating in some media outlets are misleading and do not reflect the reality of the country’s blood storage and screening protocols. He urged media institutions to verify information with responsible authorities before publication to ensure factual and accurate reporting.
“All the blood in our storage facilities across the country is safe for use,” Dr. Mulenga assured. “We have rigorous screening mechanisms in place to ensure that only safe blood is distributed to hospitals and healthcare institutions.”
Dr. Mulenga elaborated that Zambia’s blood transfusion service operates through ten hubs nationwide, all equipped with stringent testing protocols designed to detect and eliminate any potential contaminants. He emphasized that these measures have enabled the country to maintain an adequate and safe supply of blood for medical purposes.
The ZNBTS continues to encourage voluntary blood donations to sustain the national supply and ensure that patients in need receive life-saving transfusions. The agency remains committed to upholding the highest safety standards in blood collection, screening, and distribution processes.