The Sunday Mail
As part of its holiday preparedness strategy, the National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) is currently running an “August Holiday Blood Drive” campaign under the theme “Life is in the Blood”.
The “Life is in the Blood” August campaign, which is targeting both the youths and the adults, aims to collect 7 400 units of blood.
The campaign constitutes of blood drives to be held through NBSZ static clinics targeting the adults and the “Pledge 25 Club Zimbabwe”.
The blood drives target the youth from around the country, hosted through NBSZ’s offices in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare and Masvingo.
NBSZ blood collection is determined by demand for blood and blood products.
This is why the service has put in place strategies to avert any potential scenario that might cause blood shortages.
The 2019 overall national blood collection target is 108 400 units, which is an increase from the 2018 target of 82 000 units.
The increase in collections is a response mechanism predetermined by the much welcome free blood initiative introduced by the Government in July, 2018.
The initiative buttresses proactive strategic reactions to increases in the forecasted demand for blood.
Accordingly, the August holiday campaign will contribute and complement NBSZ’s efforts to achieve its set target for blood collections in 2019.
The holiday campaign was officially launched through an activation “Pledge 25 Club Zimbabwe” ladies gala blood drive that was held on August 3, 2019.
The campaign will run up to the September 7, 2019.
The “Pledge 25” blood drives, also known as “galas”, are targeting both sexes and will be held in 53 other venues in major cities, towns and growth points.
Consequently, the “Pledge 25 Club Zimbabwe” initiative is inviting all its members to attend its organised blood drives.
It is the club’s principle that its members donate blood often so as to maintain regularity.
Venues and dates are available on NBSZ Facebook page, Twitter and Website.
The “Pledge 25 Club” concept, with its origins in Zimbabwe, has proudly been emulated globally in over 62 countries, in some instances as “Club 25”.
Membership is open to every single person who pledges to donate 25 units at or before they turn 30 years of age.
The mission of the club is to consistently provide low risk and adequate blood and contribute to the overall well-being of the nation through innovative, cost effective youth-oriented activities.
This is motivated by the goal of contributing to a healthy nation through active youth initiatives and participation.
The “Pledge 25 Club Zimbabwe” initiative also assists in averting challenges of seasonal blood shortages by ensuring safe and adequate supply of blood and blood products.
It helps guarantee the constant supply of blood to hospitals, especially during school and national holiday periods.
The August holiday “Life is in the Blood” campaign is a partnership between NBSZ and Joina City Shopping Mall, which aims to increase blood collections and raise awareness on NBSZ’s operations in Zimbabwe.
All persons who are between 16 and 65 years of age and are healthy are eligible to donate blood.
If one is already a repeat donor at 65 years of age, they can be extended to 70 years depending on their medical assessment.
Donors must weigh at least 50kg and meet the documented NBSZ guidelines and criteria for safe blood donation.
The NBSZ Joina City blood donation clinic that was located on the first floor has since relocated to the Joina City second floor Shop 2 (A) in the Medical Centre.
The clinic opens every weekday; Monday to Friday from 08:30 – 16:30hrs and on Saturdays from 08:30 – 12:15hrs, except on Sundays and public holidays.
“Life is in the Blood: Donate Blood today.”
For your questions and answers, please write to or contact:
Esther Massundah; Public Affairs Manager on 0242251851, 0242251854/6, 0772162279, 0772162280, 0772162281, 0772162282, 0772162283, 0772162284, 0772162285
E-mail [email protected] or like our page on Facebook:- @NBSZ bloodbank or follow us on Twitter: -@NBSZbloodbank or Whatsapp 0777748841
