Mbabane- A coalition of private sector companies has injected E300 000 into Eswatini’s blood donation system, providing critical equipment aimed at boosting the country’s capacity to collect and store life-saving blood supplies.
The investment, spearheaded by MTN Eswatini through its annual 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, saw the Eswatini National Blood Transfusion Service ( ENBTS) receive eight blood donation beds, two donation gazebos and 500 T-shirts to support donor mobilisation efforts.
The contribution was funded through a partnership involving MTN Eswatini, 8Bet, Eswatini TV and Magagula Hlophe Attorneys, highlighting a growing trend of corporate collaboration in addressing public health challenges.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, MTN Eswatini Acting Chief Executive Officer Jerry Soko said the initiative was designed to strengthen the country’s blood collection infrastructure while raising awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation.
“Today stands as a powerful reminder that impact is never achieved alone; it is built through collaboration,” said Soko.
Through the campaign, MTN and the Blood Transfusion Service conducted blood donation drives at nine locations across the country, combining blood collection efforts with community education programmes.
The project forms part of MTN’s wider E2.5 million social investment drive undertaken during this year’s 21 Days of Y’ello Care programme.
Soko said the campaign has grown significantly since its inception, evolving from an employee volunteer initiative into a national platform that attracts businesses and organisations committed to social impact.
“Over the years we’ve had partners come on board who believe in the same vision and mission, putting their own funds together with ours to broaden the impact,” he said.
Beyond blood donation, the campaign supported healthcare delivery through technology, including a partnership that powers drone-based medicine deliveries to remote communities. MTN also recently donated six beds to Matsapha Hospice and worked with partners to restore running water at the facility.
The latest investment in blood collection infrastructure is expected to strengthen the Blood transfusion service’s outreach operations and improve access to safe blood supplies for patients requiring emergency treatment, surgery and ongoing medical care.
As demand for blood continues to place pressure on health systems worldwide, the initiative underscores the increasingly important role private sector partnerships are playing in supporting essential healthcare services in Eswatini.
A stronger angle is not that MTN donated equipment. The strongest angle from the Minister’s speech is that **Eswatini can never have enough blood, demand is rising, and MTN has stepped in to help strengthen the country’s blood supply system.** That creates urgency and gives the story national significance.
…”We can never have enough blood” – US
Mbabane – As demand for blood continues to increase across Eswatini, health authorities have warned that the country can never afford to become complacent about its blood reserves, calling for more voluntary donors while commending MTN Eswatini for strengthening the national blood donation programme through its 21 Days of Y’ello Care initiative.
Addresing stakeholders during the last day of MTN Y’ellow Care campaign, the Under Secretary in the Ministry of Health Anthony Masilela said maintaining adequate blood stocks remains a constant challenge as hospitals across the country rely on donated blood to save lives during emergencies, surgeries, childbirth complications and treatment of chronic illnesses.
“Currently, the demand for blood in Eswatini continues to rise. To meet this growing need, ongoing community participation and regular, voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation are crucial. In fact, there can never be a point where one can say we have enough blood in our banks,” Masilela said.
The Minister challenged more emaSwati, particularly young people, to become regular blood donors and help secure the country’s future blood supply.
Against this backdrop, the Ministry praised MTN Eswatini for using its annual 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign to support the Eswatini National Blood Transfusion Service through a series of interventions aimed at boosting blood collection and donor mobilisation.
The US noted that MTN’s contribution extends beyond awareness and blood drives. One of the most significant aspects of the partnership is the company’s support towards the development of a centralized Blood Donor Management System, a digital platform expected to improve the management, tracking and coordination of blood donations nationwide.
The initiative forms part of MTN’s broader partnership with the Ministry of Health, a relationship that dates back to the launch of the Y’ello Care programme in 2007.
“Partnerships are key to addressing health challenges effectively. No single entity can achieve this alone,” the US said, expressing appreciation for MTN’s continued investment in healthcare and community development.
Masilela also recognised the role played by other stakeholders in supporting the national blood donation programme. The Mbabane Municipality was thanked for providing the venue and manpower for the event, while the police service was commended for coordinating the commemorative march.
Further appreciation was extended to the World Health Organization, corporate partners, non-governmental organisations and public institutions that continue to support the Blood Bank’s operations and outreach activities.
However, the US reserved special praise for the thousands of voluntary blood donors whose contributions sustain the country’s healthcare system.
“Not all heroes wear capes, some literally give their blood to save lives,” he noted.
The Minister described blood donors as everyday heroes whose selflessness gives hope to patients and families across the country while helping healthcare workers deliver lifesaving treatment.
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