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Nyaradzo Bakari, Chronicle Reporter
THE National Blood Services of Zimbabwe (NBSZ) is facing a shortage of blood group type O and has appealed to members of the public in that group to donate blood.
NBSZ public affairs manager Ms Esther Masunda said the shortage was triggered by an increase in blood demand due to the reduction in blood user fees.
In January, the Government lowered blood user fees from $120 per pint to $50.
“We have very limited stocks for blood group O due to a very high demand from hospitals. So we need more blood to supply our hospitals. Demand for blood has increased since our blood user fee was reduced hence the need for more people to donate,” Ms Masunda said.
“The other issue is that blood group O is the most critical blood type since about 50 percent of Zimbabweans are blood group O and the blood type is universal. Blood group O can also be transfused into people from all other groups but those in the blood group O cannot be transfused with any other blood groups. This increases the demand for blood group O more than any other type.”
She said they were hoping to get more blood with the opening of schools.
“In as much as the situation is bad, we are hoping that it will normalise since schools have opened and most of our donations come from students. We also appeal to the public to visit our clinics and donate blood to save lives,” Ms Masunda said.
According to official statistics, 70 percent of blood collections made by NBSZ come from schoolchildren and the blood bank has over the years called on adults to also donate blood. — @NyarieBakie
Online Reporter