Online Reporter
Tendai Vambe
Post Reporter
A BLOOD donation drive held in Mutare last Friday exceeded its target after residents donated 761 units, surpassing the 700-unit goal and boosting stocks for patients across Manicaland.
The strong response at Redan Service Station in the downtown area of the city saw hundreds of residents come forward to donate, with the National Blood Service Zimbabwe describing it as a demonstration of the community commitment to saving lives.
NBSZ blood donor coordinator, Mr Nick Muparutsa, said the response exceeded expectations.
“We were expecting to collect 700 units, but we managed to collect 761 units of blood on Friday. That was a very good response from the people of Mutare.
We could have collected even more, but failed to do so because of time limitations. People were still coming forward to donate, which shows that there is a strong willingness among residents to support blood donation,” he said, adding that the collection is expected to provide an important reserve for hospitals, where blood is routinely required in emergencies and for patients undergoing major medical procedures.
Mr Muparutsa said the drive was open to donors across the ABO blood group system as NBSZ sought to maintain adequate supplies for patients with different requirements.
He said blood donation remains critical because a transfusion can mean the difference between life and death.
“Blood donation is very important because it gives people who need blood another chance to live. We are talking about accident victims, pregnant mothers who may develop complications and patients undergoing surgery, among many others who may require a transfusion,” he said.
The importance of maintaining adequate stocks is underscored by the fact that hospitals cannot predict when large quantities of blood will suddenly be required, particularly following road traffic accidents and other emergencies.
Mr Muparutsa said Manicaland currently has adequate stocks to supply hospitals, but warned against complacency.
“At the moment, we have enough blood to give our hospitals, but we are encouraging people to continue donating so that we maintain these stocks. Blood is something that we cannot manufacture. We rely on people who are willing to come forward and donate,” he said.
One of the donors, Mr Tawanda Caston Mutukwa, said the possibility of accidents and other emergencies motivated him to donate.
“I donated blood because accidents happen in Zimbabwe and donating blood can save a life. One day it could be someone close to us who needs blood,” he said.
The drive was supported by Redan Petroleum, which provided fuel coupons to donors as a token of appreciation.
“We would like to thank Redan Petroleum for such a gesture and for supporting this blood donation drive. The fuel coupons were an appreciation to the people who came forward to donate their blood and save lives,” said Mr Muparutsa, hailing the partnership provided an additional incentive for residents to participate.
Mr Muparutsa said such partnerships are important in strengthening donation campaigns and ensuring that more people are reached.
He encouraged other organisations, businesses and community groups to support initiatives, either by mobilising donors or providing practical assistance.
The successful Mutare campaign comes at a time when hospitals continue to depend on reliable supplies for maternity services, surgery, emergency treatment and other procedures.
Pregnant women who experience severe bleeding during childbirth are among those who may urgently require transfusions, while victims of road traffic accidents can lose significant amounts of blood within a short period. Surgical patients and people with certain medical conditions may also require blood or blood products as part of treatment.
Mr Muparutsa said maintaining adequate stocks depends on sustained donations rather than isolated campaigns. He said all eligible blood groups are required and residents should not assume their blood is unnecessary because they have not been specifically asked to donate.
He urged eligible donors not to wait for emergency appeals but to make voluntary donation a regular practice.
