Online Reporter
Trust Freddy-Herald Correspondent
THE National Blood Service Zimbabwe has launched its annual festive season campaign, aiming to collect more than 7 800 units next month to meet anticipated higher demand from medical emergencies during the holiday period.
The organisation opened its seasonal campaign yesterday under the rallying cry: “Jingle all the way to the blood bank”.
Speaking at the official campaign launch at the organisation’s headquarters in Harare, NBSZ chief executive officer, Ms Lucy Marowa, said donating blood is about saving lives.
“Our campaign is about joy, generosity and lifesaving action. We want every Zimbabwean to know that by donating blood, they are giving the most precious gift of all, the gift of life. Whether it’s a first-time donor or a regular donor, every unit counts.”
The NBSZ festive season period runs from December 1 to mid-January.
To safeguard national stocks, the NBSZ has set an operational target of 7 800 whole blood units to be collected next month alone.
She also appealed for more blood donations to prevent a potential shortfall, noting the disparity between urgent hospital needs and the expected drop in donations during the holidays. Senior schoolchildren are a major group of consistent, safe and regular donors.
“This season, while many are jingling bells and wrapping gifts, we are inviting Zimbabweans to wrap their arms around a cause that truly matters, that is blood donation. The festive period often brings increased demand for blood due to travel, celebrations and medical emergencies. Yet, it is also a time when donations tend to drop. That’s why we are counting on you, our media partners to help us amplify this message.”
She also praised the public for their continued support, saying NBSZ had managed to reach 90 percent of their 2025 target.
“NBSZ targeted to collect 97 500 units of whole blood in 2025. From January to October 2025, the target was to collect 81 900 whole blood units. The actual collections from January to October 2025 is 73 750.
“This is 90 percent achievement for January to October 2025. This is also 73 750 out of 97 500 which is 75,64 percent achievement of the annual target.”
“The target for December 2025, the festive season month is 7 800 whole blood units,” she added. “The target for December 2024 was 7 460. The collections for December 2024 were 5 432 units. This was a 73 percent achievement towards target.”
