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The gospel diva, who rocked the airwaves with albums such as “Tichamuona”, “Toita Zvedenga” and “Makomborero” among others, was chosen by NBSZ to be its brand ambassador as part of its outreach campaign aimed at encouraging a culture of donating blood among the adults.
With just a few days left before Mother’s Day which is celebrated annually on May 13, the role of Fungisai as brand ambassador for NBSZ becomes significant, taking into consideration that she is also a mother and a musician.
In an article titled “127 units of blood collected at ZITF” published by The Sunday Mail last week, Esther Massundah, Public Affairs Manager with NBSZ, said statistics showed that mothers consumed 40 percent of blood collected due to complications experienced during childbirth.
Ms massundah also said the adults in Zimbabwe consumed around 80 percent of blood compared to youths or schoolchildren, a situation which made it necessary for her organisation to embark on the programme to improve blood donations among adults in the country.
“Our thrust for 2012 is to penetrate into the adult donor base. Historically, we have relied on youths for our blood donations but this year we are doing away with that trend,” said Ms Massundah.
She also said her organisation was building a strategic network which incorporates different sectors of the country, adding that partnering with artistes was an extension of that strategic network which aims to raise awareness on the need to donate blood.
“For people to gain a better understanding of donating blood we felt we must also go out and partner with artistes because we are aiming to partner for life.
“We have a number of campaigns lined up in which we are aiming to reach out to people and one of these is through entertainment.
“This explains why we have Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave as our new brand ambassador” said Ms Massundah.
Contacted for comment, Fungisai confirmed the appointment adding that that her role would help sensitise other artistes and music followers on the need to donate blood and promoting behavioural change.
“Yes, I was appointed to be a brand ambassador by National Blood Service Zimbabwe. I think it is important for me to assume this role because it helps me to encourage a culture of donating blood among people in Zimbabwe in order to save lives.
“For me donating blood is important because it encourages behavioural change and by supporting blood donation, this helps me to be exemplary among other artistes and people in general,” said Fungisai.
Generally, many people in Zimbabwe have misconceptions about donating blood which includes fears of experiencing different reactions after donating blood, the fear of being tested for HIV and also questions on the acceptability of donating blood among Christians.
“Our campaign will aim to dispel the misconceptions around donating blood. We know some people are afraid of reacting to the needle after donating blood. Some think that they will be tested of HIV before donating blood. We are not a testing centre,” said Ms Massundah
So far Chipaz Promotions, a stable that promotes musicians in Zimbabwe, has partnered with NBSZ, facilitating blood donations by artistes such as Jah Prayzah and Tryson Chimbetu who have already donated blood to the organisation.
Sandra Ndebele, who is one of Zimbabwe’s outstanding divas, has also joined hands with NBSZ where she encouraged adults to donate blood at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair which ended on 28 April.
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