National Blood Service Zimbabwe in drive to boost blood stocks with festive season blood collection campaign

STAFF REPORTER

HARARE – The National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has initiated a campaign to collect 13,370 units of whole blood in preparation for the festive season, extending into the first week of 2024.

National Blood Service Zimbabwe blood collection campaign festive season

Image: ZBC/X

NBSZ CEO Lucy Marowa announced the launch on Monday, stating that the blood collection drive will commence on November 13.

The initiative aims to bolster blood supplies before, during, and after the holiday season.

“The collections of blood will be conducted at all NBSZ static clinics in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo, and Mutare,” Marowa said.

In addition to the static clinics, mobile teams will be conducting blood drives at various locations, which will be announced on NBSZ’s social media platforms.

The campaign targets 81 sites throughout Zimbabwe, including 28 in Harare, 10 in Bulawayo, 17 in Masvingo, 10 in Gweru, and 16 in Mutare.

“We will be visiting corporates, churches, and shopping centers throughout the country. We invite corporates and all Zimbabweans to partner with NBSZ in the collection of blood throughout the festive season,” Marowa added.

Marowa highlighted the increased demand for blood during the festive season due to factors such as road traffic accidents.

She encouraged healthy individuals over the age of 16 and weighing at least 50 kg to donate blood, particularly those with blood group O, which is in high demand.

“We are appealing for blood group O donors to come forward for donation,” she urged.