Namibia: Union Changes Mind On Truckers Donating Blood
[Namibian] The Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (Naretu) has reversed its stance on truck drivers donating blood, signing an agreement to promote voluntary donations across the transport and logistics sector.
The Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (Naretu) has altered its position on truck drivers donating blood, signing a pact to encourage voluntary donations throughout the transport and logistics industry. This change of heart occurred following a consultation between Naretu, the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG), and the Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NamBTS).
The agreement, signed on Tuesday, aims to promote voluntary blood donations among truck drivers and other transport professionals to save lives. Naretu president Peterson Kambinda had previously opposed the blood donation initiative, citing practicality issues for truck drivers donating blood while on the road. Upon signing the agreement, Naretu stated that its members would voluntarily donate blood if they choose to participate.
The union pledged to collaborate with NamBTS to provide members and stakeholders with information during upcoming stakeholder engagement sessions, fostering informed decision-making and stronger industry collaboration. A joint statement from the three organizations emphasized that participation would remain entirely voluntary, with no pressure or encouragement for truck drivers to donate blood while actively driving or in a manner that could compromise their fitness or road safety.
The partners agreed to work together on awareness and sensitization campaigns aimed at ensuring seamless and coordinated health and wellness activities for transport operators, truck drivers, and industry stakeholders. WBCG acting chief executive Edward Shivute expressed satisfaction that Naretu, WBCG, and NamBTS share a common goal of safeguarding the well-being of "corridor heroes" while supporting an important national public health objective.
The partnership is built on responsible implementation, voluntary participation, and prioritizing road safety and driver well-being. NamBTS marketing and donor relations manager Zita Tobin expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage directly with Naretu and clarify the safeguards governing every blood donation. The service looks forward to partnering with WBCG and Naretu at upcoming stakeholder engagements to educate eligible donors, dispel misconceptions, and encourage voluntary blood donation in a way that prioritizes donor health and public safety.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
