Online Reporter
Peter Matika [email protected]
BULAWAYO City Council has partnered with the National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) in a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening blood reserves for emergencies and critical medical procedures.
The partnership has seen the local authority granting the organisation permission to establish blood donation tents and conduct collection drives at City Hall whenever the need arises.
The collaboration comes at a crucial time as blood stocks in Bulawayo and surrounding areas have reached critical levels, prompting urgent efforts to mobilise voluntary donors and ensure hospitals have adequate supplies for emergencies and lifesaving treatments.
The matter came under the spotlight during a recent council meeting when councillors were briefed on the growing shortage of blood and increasing demand from hospitals and health institutions across the Matabeleland region.
Seeking practical interventions to improve access to blood donation facilities, NBSZ approached the local authority for support in mobilising residents and creating convenient collection points within the city centre.
NBSZ chief executive officer Ms Lucy Marowa expressed gratitude to the local authority for responding positively to the organisation’s request.
“We have been granted the authority. We are grateful to council for recognising the importance of blood in our communities,” said Ms Marowa.
She said the arrangement would enable NBSZ to establish temporary blood collection centres at City Hall whenever stock levels fall below the required threshold or during special blood donation campaigns.
The partnership is expected to make blood donation more accessible to residents, workers and visitors in the city centre, while helping to build a stronger and more sustainable blood reserve capable of supporting emergency surgeries, accident victims, maternity cases and patients requiring regular transfusions.
Health experts have warned that maintaining adequate blood stocks is critical for emergency surgeries, road traffic accident victims, maternity cases, cancer patients and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses requiring regular transfusions.
During deliberations, councillors stressed the need for a collective approach involving residents, churches, schools, tertiary institutions, corporates and community organisations to expand the donor base and ensure a steady supply of blood throughout the year.
They noted that while many people only consider donating blood during emergencies, the healthcare system depends on consistent voluntary donations to maintain safe and sustainable stock levels.
Bulawayo has traditionally relied heavily on schools and colleges for blood donations, with learners contributing a significant proportion of the country’s blood supply.
However, health officials have increasingly called on adults, professionals and workplace groups to become regular donors to reduce reliance on seasonal collections.
Councillors also highlighted the need for intensified awareness campaigns to dispel misconceptions surrounding blood donation and encourage more Zimbabweans to participate in the programme.
Medical practitioners have repeatedly emphasised that a single unit of donated blood can save several lives when separated into different blood components used to treat multiple patients.
The appeal comes as Bulawayo’s health institutions continue to serve not only city residents, but also patients from Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and parts of the Midlands, thereby increasing demand for blood and blood products.
Meanwhile, NBSZ is intensifying preparations for this year’s World Blood Donor Day commemorations, which Zimbabwe will host in Bulawayo on June 12 at John Tallach High School. Globally, the event is observed on June 14.
This year’s theme is: “One drop of Humanity — Give Blood, Save Lives.”
Ms Marowa urged Zimbabweans from all walks of life to embrace voluntary blood donation and help keep the country’s blood bank adequately stocked.
“As we move towards World Blood Donor Day, we encourage eligible Zimbabweans to donate blood and help save lives. Blood is a precious resource that cannot be manufactured, and every donation has the potential to save several lives,” she said.
NBSZ has consistently promoted voluntary blood donation as a civic responsibility that strengthens the healthcare system and ensures hospitals have sufficient blood supplies to respond to emergencies and provide critical treatment to patients in need.
