HARARE – The National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has launched its annual festive season blood collection campaign, targeting 7,460 units of blood by mid-January to address increased demand during the holiday period.
NBSZ Chief Executive Officer Lucy Mary Marowa said the campaign, running until 14 January 2024, is crucial due to heightened road accidents and hospital admissions during the festive season. “The festive season is marked by merry-making and traveling, which unfortunately increases demand for blood and blood products. We urge everyone eligible to donate to visit our centers or mobile clinics,” she said.
Currently, NBSZ faces a critical shortage of blood group O, with reserves at less than a day’s supply. Marowa emphasized the urgency, stating, “Blood group O donors are particularly needed as this blood type depletes quickly due to its universal use.”
To date, NBSZ has collected 71,544 units of blood in 2024, surpassing last year’s total of 70,187 units. However, it remains 12% short of its annual target of 88,430 units. The Pledge 25 Club, a youth initiative of donors committing to 25 donations by age 30, has been instrumental in filling the gap left by school closures.
NBSZ is also appealing to corporates to partner in organizing blood drives and encouraging donations. Clinics will operate throughout the holiday period, except on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day, with mobile teams deployed nationwide.
Marowa urged the public to embrace a culture of blood donation, saying, “Blood can only be available if we donate. One day, the life you save may be your own.”
Donors aged 16–65, in good health, and weighing over 50 kilograms can donate at centers in Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo, Mutare, and Gweru. Schedules for mobile clinics are available on NBSZ’s social media platforms.
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