Online Reporter
Solomon Bhumu
Health Reporter
THE partnership between the National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) and Redan Petroleum is playing a vital role in addressing critical blood shortages, underscoring how corporate social responsibility can directly support the health sector.
Speaking at a community blood donation drive in Mutare, NBSZ Mutare blood donor coordinator, Mr Nicky Muparutsa highlighted the province’s urgent need for between 40 and 50 units of blood daily to meet hospital requirements.
“The festive season is always challenging. Schools, which provide nearly 75 percent of our blood supply, were closed, yet demand surged due to road traffic accidents and medical emergencies. Partnerships like this allow us to reach donors beyond schools and sustain collections when stocks are dangerously low,” said Mr Muparutsa.
To mitigate the shortage, NBSZ has intensified community-based blood collection campaigns, encouraging members of the public to donate and reducing reliance on school donors.
The programme targets 550 units of blood across Manicaland in the coming weeks—a milestone expected to stabilise hospital supplies ahead of school reopening.
Redan Petroleum has stepped in as a corporate partner, leveraging its national network to support the initiative.
As part of the drive, the company is offering fuel vouchers to donors, rewarding each participant with a set number of litres of fuel.
Redan Petroleum’s retail manager, Ms Chipo Masanzu said the collaboration reflects the company’s commitment to giving back to the communities that sustain its operations.
“As a company, we wanted to contribute in a way that truly impacts people’s lives. At some point, everyone may need blood, either for themselves or loved ones. Working with NBSZ allows us to support the national health system beyond our core business of fuel distribution,” said Ms Masanzu.
She emphasised that the initiative is not commercially motivated, but rather a contribution to a life-saving national cause.
“The real heroes are the blood donors and NBSZ. For us, the benefit is knowing we are helping improve the well-being of Zimbabweans,” she said.
Mr Muparutsa said the response from the community has been very encouraging, noting that donor numbers are steadily increasing with each blood collection drive.
“Sustained participation from the public is essential to ensure that our hospitals remain well supplied and able to meet ongoing medical needs,” said Mr Muparutsa.
He added that regular blood donations are crucial for the healthcare system. “Without consistent contributions from donors, hospitals could experience shortages that put lives at risk, especially during accidents, surgeries, and maternity emergencies,” Mr Muparutsa said.
Commenting on the partnership with Redan Petroleum, he said: “This collaboration shows how private-sector support can strengthen our national health system and help save lives during periods of high demand.”
