Online Reporter
FACING a critical nationwide blood shortage intensified by increasing demand and a severe lack of universal donor blood, the National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has initiated efforts in the resort city of Victoria Falls to boost supplies.
Over a three-day period, the NBSZ set up mobile blood donation stations at strategic locations across the city, including Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge, Victoria Falls Hospital, and Victoria Falls Primary School.
This decentralised approach aimed to make blood donation more accessible by reducing transport costs and increasing convenience for donors.
Speaking during the campaign, NBSZ Chief Executive Officer, Ms Lucy Marowa, confirmed that the country is facing a severe blood shortage, particularly of blood group O, which is vital for emergency medical cases.
“We are also engaging with community blood donors through the usual galas held in communities, as well as through faith-based organisations and tertiary institutions. We urge people to come forward in large numbers to donate blood, especially those with blood group O,” she said.
Ms Marowa noted that hospitals are under increasing pressure to meet patients’ needs, particularly in trauma and surgical cases where blood is urgently required.
To help address the shortage, Ms Marowa said the NBSZ is intensifying its outreach efforts to regular community donors, tertiary institutions, faith-based groups, and workplace-based donors.
“At present, the NBSZ has about 1 500 units of blood, of which approximately 450 are blood group O. These group O units are only sufficient to sustain us for the next three days, as we typically use an average of 167 units per day,” said Ms Marowa.
Residents of Victoria Falls responded positively, turning out in large numbers to support the campaign. Their generosity is helping to stabilise blood supplies and ensure that critical care services can continue without interruption.
Blood group O, particularly O negative, is considered the universal donor type because it can be safely transfused to patients of all blood groups, especially in emergencies when there is limited time for cross-matching.
However, less than 10 percent of Zimbabwe’s population falls into this category, making donations from group O donors essential for national blood security.
The NBSZ, which is mandated to collect, test, and distribute safe blood to all hospitals across Zimbabwe, frequently faces seasonal challenges.
Blood stocks often decline during public holidays and school breaks, when youth — who account for over 70 percent of regular donors — are unavailable.
New Ziana
