Letshego Holdings Limited continues to lead the charge in driving sustainable impact in the community. Underpinned by their brand promise, Let’s Improve Life, the Group set to build on to their efforts from 2015 in hosting the second annual blood donation drive.
The drive is in collaboration with the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS). Joining hands in Gaborone, Letshego engaged its staff, customers, stakeholders and industry associates on this initiative on November 21, 2016 at the Group’s Head Office, Letshego Place. A total of 25 pints were donated by the community.
Group Head of Corporate Affairs, Mythri Sambasivan-George said during the festive season, there is an overwhelming influx of trauma patients being admitted to hospitals in need of blood transfusions, a lot of them victims of road accidents all around Botswana.
“This is a national issue that needs urgent attention. Through our strategic partnerships such as NTBS, we aim to be part of the solution by encouraging our community to make donating blood part of their lifestyle. At Letshego, we believe that health is crucial to an entire generation’s productivity and its ability to succeed and develop the nation. This mindset is the cornerstone of our corporate social investment efforts in the health industry,” Sambasivan-George said.
According to NBTS, it is estimated that 1 pint of blood can save 3 lives. At present, the national demand stands at 40,000 units required for the local blood bank. However current donor levels stand at 20,000 to 25,000 units donated per year on average. This is 15,000 units shy of the national target.
The Blood Donation Drive was open to all members of the community who wished to donate and contribute to this great cause. In efforts to address aspects of the national healthcare agenda, Letshego has focused efforts on identifying and supporting practical innovation in tackling Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) through LetsCare, a “Healthcare Innovation Programme.” LetsCare is supported by a strategic partner who provides continuing medical education (CME) and guidance to strengthen primary care. The Group invests 1% of it after tax profit towards strategic social investment projects.
“We are pleased to have seen a good turnout from the community and we are progressing well from our efforts in 2015. As a proud team here at Letshego, we thank our valuable customers, stakeholders and friends of Letshego for their participation and their support. We also greatly thank the media for their support in driving greater awareness of the facts behind this initiative and wider national health issues. We look forward to doing more in the coming year as we drive our inclusive finance agenda and social investment collaborations,” added Sambasivan-George.