Online Reporter
Trust Freddy-Zimpapers Correspondent
A CUTTING-EDGE Nucleic Acid Testing platform for blood screening has been commissioned by the Government, marking a significant advancement that eliminates the “window period” for infections and positions the nation’s blood services among the world’s best.
The state-of-the-art molecular technology was officially handed over to the National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) by Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora in Harare yesterday.
The transition from traditional serology to NAT represents a strategic shift towards molecular-based detection, greatly reducing the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections.
Under previous screening protocols, infections like HIV could remain undetected for weeks during the initial window period.
But the new NAT system allows health officials to identify HIV infections occurring within just 48 to 72 hours—well before conventional methods would flag them.
“This moment is not merely a technical achievement; it is a national milestone that reflects our shared commitment to safeguarding the lives of our citizens,” said Dr Mombeshora.
The milestone was accomplished through a mix of domestic investment and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora (left), National Blood Service Zimbabwe chief executive officer Lucy Marowa (centre) POTRAZ Director General Gift Machengete in Harare yesterday. – Picture: Tinashe Chitwanga.
The National AIDS Council (NAC) provided the necessary testing kits, while the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) donated blood bags valued at US$15 000.
Technical partners, including Grifols and Cluster Diagnostics, played a vital role in the installation, validation and training of local personnel.
Dr Mombeshora said although Zimbabwe has been a global leader in blood safety since implementing routine HIV screening in 1987, the new NAT system is a “game-changer” that identifies infections significantly earlier than previous methods.
“With this cutting-edge technology, HIV infections occurring within 48 to 72 hours can now be identified—long before conventional methods would detect them. Likewise, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can be detected within days of exposure,” he said.
NAC chief executive officer Dr Benard Madzima said the donation aligns with the strategic goal of achieving an HIV-free Zimbabwe by 2030.
“We have put this machine in place, and we are confident it will provide backup services to ensure that blood is safe, reliable, and free of HIV infection.
“This aligns with our Zimbabwe National Health Strategic Plan, covering 2020 to 2025, and the next plan, which will cover 2026 to 2030.
“NBSZ, let’s continue to transform the HIV response for an HIV-free Zimbabwe,” he said.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora (centre) hands over blood bags and Nucleic Acid Testing Equipment to National Blood Service Zimbabwe chief executive officer Lucy Marowa(second from left) and NBSZ board chair Passmore Nyakureba (left) while POTRAZ Director General Gift Machengete(right) looks on in Harare yesterday. – Picture: Tinashe Chitwanga
Dr Madzima also pledged ongoing support to NBSZ until it becomes self-sustaining.
During the donation of blood bags, POTRAZ director-general Dr Gift Machengete highlighted the critical nature of blood supply.
“While gaps in telecommunications may inconvenience us, or slow economic activity, a shortage of blood can mean the difference between life and death.
“Ensuring that the nation’s blood banks are adequately stocked is a profound national responsibility, transcending sectors and professions—a mandate centred on preserving human life itself,” he said.
Experts said the commissioning of the NAT platform represents a substantial leap forward in public health, placing Zimbabwe at the forefront of blood safety and infectious disease management.
