The National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) is urgently seeking blood donations as the country grapples with a severe shortage in national blood stocks. Sifundo Ngwenya, the NBSZ southern region coordinator, has issued a call for action, stating that the blood reserves in Bulawayo and nationwide have reached critically low levels. Ngwenya urges citizens to come forward and contribute to the blood supply.
“Bulawayo and the nation’s blood stock are currently critically low. There’s a rising demand for blood due to natural disasters, maternity needs, and accidents,” Ngwenya expressed concern. “It’s crucial for people to inspire each other to donate blood, as the recipients in need of blood transfusion could be our neighbors or family members.”
Ngwenya further emphasized the need to collaborate with community stakeholders to boost blood donations. The organization is seeking assistance from various quarters, including communities, churches, stakeholders, schools, and colleges. He also encouraged local leaders, like councillors and Members of Parliament, to motivate the public to donate blood. Ngwenya highlighted that individuals aged 16 to 65 are eligible to donate blood.
While NBSZ regularly receives blood donations from state security agents and schools, contributions from adults—comprising only 10% of donors—have been disappointingly low. There is also a growing concern among blood donors that despite their voluntary contributions, NBSZ charges a substantial fee for the blood, potentially discouraging potential donors.
“One challenge we face is the reluctance of adults to donate blood; their participation is low, and we urge them to reconsider. A single pint of blood can save three lives, and it is often needed by pregnant women during delivery, accident victims, and patients undergoing surgery,” Ngwenya explained.
Source iHarare.com
