The National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) launched the 2012 World Blood Donor Day celebrations on the 1st of June at a Press conference held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Harare. The launch was for kick starting an awareness campaign about the day, especially to the media, so that it can assist in disseminating information about the commemorations to the public.

The World Blood Donor Day is held every year on the 14th of June globally.  The day is held on the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, as recognition of his work in the creation of the ABO blood group system, for which he won the Nobel Prize.
During the launch, former Zimbabwe soccer national team striker Benjani Mwaruwari was unveiled as the NBSZ national brand ambassador ahead of the World Blood Donor Day commemorations to be held in the Manicaland Province in Mutare at Sakubva 2 High School on the 14th of June running under the theme: “Every blood donor is a hero”. Although the national commemorations will be held in Mutare, there will also be provincial events to mark the day through the NBSZ provincial offices.

Mr Taurai Muzanenhamo, the Benjani Mwaruwari Foundation’s spokesperson, said in an acceptance speech read on his behalf during the launch that Benjani was honoured to have partnered as a brand ambassador of such a life-serving campaign. Mwaruwari started off his duty immediately by appealing to all Zimbabweans to donate blood as it is a critical component in human life. “Let me start my duty right away and appeal to all Zimbabweans to donate blood, not just today as we launch World Blood Donor Day, but throughout the year,” he said.

Addressing stakeholders and media personnel present at the launch, NBSZ chief executive officer Mr David Mvere reiterated the great significance of this day as it is celebrated every year to honour and thank those people who donate their blood.
“This day motivates more people to become regular voluntary blood donors and make them feel proud to be part of people who render a unique service to humanity,” he said.

NetOne, who have been supporting the World Blood Donor Day commemorations for years, will be continue this year providing various sponsorships towards this event. In a speech, Mr Reward Kangai, the NetOne managing director, said NetOne will this year again support this special day with various sponsorships amounting to US$23 000.  Joining NetOne amongst the sponsors is Bhadella Wholesalers, Spar Mutare, First Mutual, Mupfumi Transport, Chipaz Promotions, FBC Holdings, Matan Holdings and TN Holdings.

In attendance of the Press conference was the World Health Organisation (WHO) country representative, Dr Custodia Mandhlate; deputy director Laboratory Services MoHCW, Mr Raiva Simbi, NBSZ chairman Retired Justice Leslie Smith; NetOne managing director Mr Reward Kangai; NBSZ  CEO Mr David Mvere; NBSZ medical director Dr McLeod Chitiyo; and Mr Muzanenhamo, a representative from the Benjani Mwaruwari Foundation.

Other key support is coming from the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Information, World Health Organisation and Centre for Disease Control (CDC).

The World Blood Donor Day is a day to thank and reinforce the self-esteem of those who give blood so they continue to do so regularly and inspire those who do not give blood but are in good health to start donating blood.

The NBSZ is therefore encouraging all Zimbabweans to be responsible citizens and join the rest of the world in celebrating this day by donating blood at their nearest NBSZ centres.