Blood donation drive highly successful

THE National Blood Services Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has collected 1 466 units of blood through their recent countrywide campaign to replenish the national blood bank stocks.

The initiative, held in conjunction with Redan Petroleum, kicked off on January 5, with campaigns held in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Masvingo and Gweru.

NBSZ was also in Chitungwiza on January 12. Redan provided over 7 000 litres of fuel, with each donor walking away with a five-litre fuel coupon.

One unit of blood is typically defined as approximately 450 millilitres (ml).

NBSZ chief executive officer Ms Lucy Marowa (pictured) said they managed to surpass their target.

“We had set a target to collect 1 250 units over the whole campaign but managed to get 1 466 units,” she said.

“Most of the blood was collected on January 5, as we managed to collect 1 265 units in five locations, with the Chitungwiza event adding 201 units.”

All stations, she said, collected more than 200 units on the day of the campaign.

“Mutare Redan Flyover was the highest (collector) on that day with 381 units, followed by Bulawayo with 256 units and Harare was third with 225 units.

“Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare had daily targets of 80 units for our two teams and these targets were surpassed by very wide margins.”

Ms Marowa said the NBSZ was pleased because the drive helped boost blood group O stock levels.

“I don’t have a specific figure right now concerning the blood group, but by estimation, about 52 percent of total collections would naturally be type O,” she said.

Individuals with type O blood are considered universal donors. They represent the most common blood type globally, which is found in approximately 45 percent of the population.

“The NBSZ has lined up Pledge 25 Club Zimbabwe blood drives with the community and corporates across the country to boost blood stock levels,” she added.

“We will also be visiting schools daily, including on weekends.”