The Export Development Fund (EDF) has donated items worth MK14 million to the Malawi Blood Transfusion Service (MBTS) in Lilongwe, in a handover ceremony held on Thursday, 11 June, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to mark World Blood Donor Day, observed annually on 14 June.
The donation, comprising a 100-seater tent, 120 chairs and 10 blood pressure machines, is aimed at strengthening MBTS’ capacity to carry out blood collection and related operations across the country. In addition to the donation, EDF staff members also participated in a blood donation exercise as part of the institution’s contribution towards supporting the national blood supply.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, EDF Managing Director, Mr. Fredrick Chanza, said the Fund recognises the critical role that strong health systems play in national development and economic productivity.
“While EDF’s mandate is to support business growth, exports and industrial development, sustainable progress depends on healthy communities that are able to work, produce and participate fully in the economy. Supporting institutions such as MBTS is therefore an important part of the broader development agenda,” said Chanza.
Receiving the donation on behalf of MBTS, Head of the Lilongwe Blood Transfusion Centre, Mr. Felix Ayuba, expressed gratitude to EDF, describing the contribution as timely and impactful.
Ayuba noted that MBTS regularly conducts blood collection exercises across the country and often incurs costs hiring equipment such as tents and chairs. He said the donated items would help strengthen operations and improve the efficiency of outreach activities.
He also applauded EDF staff members who donated blood, noting that demand remains high, especially at specialised facilities such as the Cancer Centre.
The gesture reflects EDF’s belief that sustainable development is achieved not only through financing, but also through meaningful investments in people and communities.