By Michael Gwarisa
The National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ), has set a target to collect 7,460 units of blood during December 2024 as part of its annual festive season campaign.
Addressing stakeholders at the launch of the campaign in Harare on Friday, NBSZ Chief Executive Officer, Ms Lucy Mary Marowa emphasized the increased demand for blood during the festive period, driven largely by road traffic accidents and other emergencies.
The festive season is marked by a surge in the need for blood due to factors such as road traffic accidents. We are appealing to all eligible Zimbabweans to donate blood and help us meet this critical demand,” said Ms Marowa.
The NBSZ set an annual target of 88,430 units of whole blood for 2024. By the end of November, 71,544 units had been collected—88% of the January-to-November target of 80,970 units and 81% of the annual target. Notably, this figure has already surpassed the 2023 total of 70,187 units.
For the December period, the goal is to collect 7,460 units of blood, which aligns with the NBSZ’s festive season campaign running from mid-November to mid-January.
To achieve this target, the NBSZ plans to host 85 “Pledge 2025” blood drives nationwide, in addition to engaging corporates and communities. Static clinics across the country, except for the Masvingo branch, will remain open for walk-in donors, with closures only on public holidays. Mobile teams will also conduct blood drives at various locations, with schedules to be announced on NBSZ social media platforms.
Marowa urged the public and media to amplify the message of blood donation as a shared responsibility, saying, “We need to foster a culture of regular blood donation. Everyone should ask themselves: when was the last time I donated blood?”
Acknowledging the role of road safety in reducing blood demand, Marowa called for caution among travelers during the holiday season. “Road traffic accidents significantly increase the pressure on the already constrained supply of blood. We urge everyone to be responsible on the roads to help save lives,” she said.
The NBSZ also extended an invitation to corporates and individuals to partner in the blood collection campaign.
“Life is in the blood. Let us be responsible citizens and ensure we value our health and the lives of others during this festive season,” Marowa concluded, officially launching the 2024 festive season campaign.
