Enough blood stocks for festive holidays: NBSZ

THE National Blood Services Zimbabwe (NBSZ) says it has enough blood stocks to cover for demand that may occur during this festive season.

NBSZ has over the past weeks worked towards increasing its stocks ahead of the festive holidays that are usually characterised by an increase in road traffic accidents, pushing up the demand for blood.

NBSZ southern region spokesperson Mr Sifundo Ngwenya said the organisation was working on satisfying the demand for blood during the festive season.

“We had a good response to our plea for blood and we are satisfied with our stocks.

“We worked around the clock to beef our blood stocks from schools around the southern region,” he said.

Mr Ngwenya also noted that Christian organisations as well as the community had tremendously responded to their blood donation campaigns, which they held towards the festive season.

“We had mobile teams in Bulawayo, as well as a mobile clinic to cater for blood donors. NBSZ has been encouraging blood donations during the festive season,” said Mr Ngwenya.

He said people weighing 50kgs and above, aged between 16 and 65 were eligible to donate blood.

“It takes between 10 and 15 minutes to donate blood to save a life,” he said.

NBSZ has also created youth clubs to raise its stocks, through regular donations from the youth.

“Pledge 25 Club is a special club for young and healthy citizens who pledge to regularly donate safe units of blood at least 25 times in their lives.

“The primary aim being to allow for smooth transition from school donors into safe adult donors thereby effortlessly creating a future pool of informed adult blood donors.

“NBSZ encourages pupils to continue donating blood after leaving school as they account for over 70 percent of the annual blood collections.

“You have a lot to gain by joining this club and pledging to be regular blood donors. The club has an elected committee to run the affairs of this unique group,” said Mr Ngwenya.

@peterkmatika