NBSZ embarks on blood collection campaign

THE National Blood Services of Zimbabwe (NBSZ) in partnership with various organisations has embarked on a massive blood collection campaign in preparation for this year’s festive season.

Other partners in the campaign include the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Vehicle Registration Department (VID), National Aids Council (Nac), the Bulawayo City Council, communities and some Government ministries.

NBSZ Matabeleland region public relations officer Mr Sifundo Ngwenya yesterday said the awareness campaign seeks to educate the public on the importance of donating blood and encouraging more Zimbabweans to participate in the drive to save lives.

He said the campaign would be launched on November 30, 2016 with a number of donation points selected to be open for all walk-in donors to donate blood at their convenient time.

“Through this initiative, the campaign also aims to educate road traffic users about driving responsibly as road carnage negatively impacts on blood bank stock levels. During the festive season especially, there is a need for people to donate blood so that it is available when it is needed.

“We seek to bring significant stability in safe blood stocks during the Christmas holiday thereby providing a long-term solution to these seasonal shortages,” said Mr Ngwenya.

He said the NBSZ had roped in members of the media not only through publicising the campaign but also donating blood.

“We’re inviting members of the media to come and donate blood. Our passionate plea also goes to sports teams and other corporate groups to be part of this campaign.

“On December 3, 2016 we’ll be working with the community at the Zizwezonke Complex, Bradfield and we invite all regular and new donors to come in their numbers. On December 9 and 10, we’ll take our blood drive to our offices in Bulawayo along 4th Avenue and Josiah Tongogara Street and Evelyn High School,” said Mr Ngwenya.

He added that they would proceed to Mvuthu High School in Esigodini for the inaugural launch of the Pledge 25 Club Zimbabwe.

“At Mvuthu High School, we’ll work with Nac, the Young People’s Network and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to collect as much blood as we can. The youth and the community are invited to support this event.

“On days yet to be advised, we’ll take our campaign to Dingumuzi Primary School in Plumtree and the NSSA Complex in Gwanda,” said Mr Ngwenya.

He said it was difficult to say how much blood is required adding that intake differs with the different incidents that make people require blood.

“Sometime the uptake is high, sometimes it’s slow depending on the accidents that occur, industrial fatalities and the other conditions for expecting women.

“If we manage to have 1 000 units we might be able to be in a comfort zone and ready for the festive season,” said Mr Ngwenya.

He added that the campaign would run up to January next year as the blood bank strives to keep its blood stocks high.

Mr Ngwenya encouraged new donors to be part of the campaign, saying about 60 percent of blood collected every year usually comes from regular donors.

“Every second there’s someone who’s in need of blood. We therefore need to work hard to make sure we’re not in short supply. All those who’re aged between 16 and 65 and are strong and healthy are free to come and donate blood,” he said. — @pamelashumba1