Exim Bank expands blood donation drive, celebrates 11 years of healthcare support

DAR ES SALAAM: Exim Bank Tanzania today conducted a nationwide voluntary blood donation drive in partnership with the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS). The exercise, which took place simultaneously across six regions of Tanzania namely Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Arusha, Mbeya, Tabora and Mtwara, forms part of the two institutions’ 11-year partnership aimed at promoting blood donation and supporting national blood collection efforts to reduce, and ultimately eliminate, blood shortages in hospitals and health facilities across the country.

For more than a decade, Exim Bank Tanzania and the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) have worked together to encourage voluntary blood donation as a means of saving lives. More than 800 units of blood collected annually through these campaigns have contributed significantly to strengthening the national blood supply, helping ensure adequate reserves for mothers facing childbirth complications, road accident victims, patients undergoing surgery, children and others requiring blood transfusions due to various medical conditions.

Speaking during the launch of the campaign at Exim Bank’s headquarters in Dar es Salaam, Exim Bank Tanzania’s Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications, Kauthar D’Souza, said the blood donation initiative reflects the bank’s long-standing commitment to supporting national healthcare priorities while encouraging Tanzanians to participate in life-saving community initiatives.

“At Exim Bank, we believe our responsibility extends beyond providing financial services. We are also committed to being a key partner in community and national development. Through our Exim Cares programme, we continue to invest in healthcare, education, environmental conservation and community empowerment in order to create positive and sustainable change,” said Kauthar.

“This blood donation campaign demonstrates how the private sector can work hand in hand with public institutions to address challenges that directly affect people’s lives. I encourage all eligible Tanzanians to participate in this initiative. Just a few minutes of your time can save someone else’s life. Your donation could help a mother return safely to her family, enable a child to receive essential treatment, or give a patient another chance at life,” she added.

Speaking on behalf of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), Evelyn Dielly, Eastern Zone Blood Donor Recruitment Officer, commended Exim Bank for its continued partnership and contribution towards strengthening blood collection efforts in Tanzania.