The Sunday Mail
In the advent of the free blood initiative for all public health institutions introduced by the Government on the 1st of July 2018, it is now the responsibility of every Zimbabwean to make sure that the blood bank is adequately stocked at all times.
Even though the National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has managed to meet the national requirements so far, it is still everyone’s obligation to donate blood so as to maintain a healthy blood bank.
Although in the past years there hasn’t been massive shortages of blood during this period of the year, NBSZ still takes necessary precautions through its holiday preparedness strategy and thus campaigns targeting the youth and the adult populace will be held simultaneously.
Youth blood drives will be coordinated through the Pledge 25 Club Zimbabwe (P25 Club) and various events are going to be held across the country as from the 23rd of July 2018.
We therefore urge everyone to look out for these campaigns and be part of these blood drives.
As part of the nationwide campaign, to boost the blood bank this holiday, NBSZ Branch Static Clinics in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare and Masvingo will be open to cater for all, including the adults.
The need for blood never goes on a holiday.
Here at NBSZ, we make it a lifelong commitment to urge people to make that donation.
As we approach the harmonised elections to be held on 30th July 30 2018, do not remove donating blood from your to-do list.
For any blood bank across the world, insufficient blood stocks always have a huge impact on patients in dire need of blood transfusions in hospitals.
Therefore, this can be avoided by having voluntary blood donors who come from all walks of life, different backgrounds, religions and ages.
By choosing to donate blood on their own free will, without any payment, these individuals are performing a heroic act, a gesture of human solidarity with the power to save lives.
NBSZ will host a media blood drive for journalists and all media personnel from different media houses on Saturday July 28 2018 starting at 09:00hrs.
The blood drive will be held at the NBSZ main clinic along Mazowe street in Belgravia, Harare.
Even though the blood drive may target the media, all those who are free and able to join are also invited on this special day.
With the upcoming holiday almost upon us, as NBSZ we take this opportunity to concertise all drivers and road users about making good decisions while travelling.
Road traffic accidents deeply impact the blood bank stocks, hence they may end up presenting a major public health problem in Zimbabwe.
According to a publication by WHO and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, road traffic accidents kill 1,2 million people and injure or disable between 20 million and 50 million people a year, a large proportion of whom require transfusion during the first 24 hours of treatment.
Road traffic accidents are predicted to become the third largest contributor to the global burden of disease by 2020.
As a responsible people, we are all supposed to act to reduce the burden of death and injury to our society and above all, understand the significance of being an active blood donor.
The NBSZ has been and is still urging all blood donors who have missed out on a donation and also those who meet the minimum requirements to find the time to make a blood donation.
Minimum requirements to be a donor:
Must be between the ages of 16-65 years old
Weigh more than 50kgs
Be in good health
Please note the NBSZ Bulawayo CBD Clinic has relocated to the Bulawayo Main Post Office, Shop No A1, corner Leopold Takawira and Joshua Mqabuko Street.
For the nation to remain adequately stocked, NBSZ solely relies on people like you to give blood.
The Government has done its part and the responsibility is now with us as the citizens.
To those whose who are fit and healthy, please visit any of our clinics near you and give blood.
The NBSZ is also in the process of intensifying its engagement with blood donors who are due for blood donation through SMS and voice call reminders.
Adequate stocks begin with you and me!
Be a blood donor today.
For your questions and answers, please write or contact Esther Massundah; Public Affairs Manager on 0242251851, 0242251854 / 0242251855-6, 0772162279, 0772162280, 0772162281, 0772162282, 0772162283, 0772162284, 0772162285 or email [email protected].
Like our Facebook page: – @NBSZ bloodbank and follow us on Twitter: – @NBSZbloodbank. WhatsApp 0777748841
