19/02/2026
Public–Private Collaboration for Safe Blood Supply
Mary Begg Health Services was privileged to host the team from the Zambia National Blood Transfusion Service (ZNBTS) during a courtesy visit focused on strengthening collaboration between the national blood bank service and the private healthcare sector.
The ZNBTS delegation was led by Dr. Masiku Phiri - Medical Director, Dr. Joseph Mulenga - Executive Director joining the meeting virtually and Mr David Chama - National Laboratory Manager, Mr Greenwood Silwizya - Provincial Coordinator, Ms Getrude Chanda - IT Officer and Ms Annie Namiluko Accountant.
They were warmly received by Dr. Vernon Julius - Medical Director, Dr. Sera Mulamba - Chief Medical Officer Solwezi and Ms Monica M. Chanda - Public Relations Officer.
During the interactions, Dr. Phiri expressed sincere appreciation for the longstanding support Mary Begg Health Services has consistently extended to the national blood programme.
Dr. Mulenga acknowledged MBHS as a trusted partner and commended its value-driven approach to healthcare delivery. He further encouraged deeper collaboration, particularly in strengthening public health awareness. He emphasized the urgent need to educate communities on blood donation and raise awareness around HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and syphilis, noting a recent rise in some of these indicators. He highlighted the importance of private institutions playing a visible role in informing and mobilizing the public.
Dr. Julius reaffirmed MBHS’s continued commitment to supporting ZNBTS in increasing the capacity to produce safe blood for patients across Zambia.
Mr Chama, the National Laboratory Manager, shared updates on the Blood Bank’s recent expansion. Outlined investments in advanced, top-class screening equipment capable of extensive blood testing, component separation, and leukocyte reduction — all aimed at enhancing blood safety and quality. He further revealed that the institution following the WHO model had set an ambitious target to collect 400,000 pints of blood by the end of 2026.
It was noted by Dr. Joseph Mulenga, that Mary Begg Health Services was the first private healthcare institution ZNBTS has formally partnered with, built on trust, the number of years of working together and in MBHS’s strong value system. He hoped that this collaboration would serve as a model for future engagement with other private facilities.
Strengthening public–private partnerships remains essential to building resilient health systems, increasing access to safe blood, and ultimately improving patient outcomes across Zambia.
