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expected to boost adult donations.
The current rate of donations from adults stands at 12 percent.
In a statement yesterday, NBSZ said it was focusing on improving these statistics from 12 percent adult donors to at least 40 percent.
According to NBSZ, adults make less donations but consume 80 percent of the donated blood.
Youths contribute most of the blood to the national bank.
“Donating blood is everyone’s responsibility and NBSZ is calling upon all adults to make a difference this Valentine’s and in 2012 by donating blood as every drop counts.”
The campaign will run under the theme: Have a heart this Valentine’s Day to donate blood and save a life.
NBSZ said five special gifts will be given away to the first couples that respond to the call.
The campaign is set for Harare and Bulawayo.
In Bulawayo, the blood drive campaign will end on Saturday February 18 with an event which will take place at TM Hyper Market from 8am and end in the afternoon.
Dancing queen, Sandra Ndebele and sports administrator Mr Ndumiso Gumede are expected to actively participate at the event, which is being spearheaded by the Bulawayo adult blood donor committee.
“A lot is in store on this day and couples will also have an opportunity to win prizes. Bulawayo Branch is appealing to all couples resident in Bulawayo to have a heart this Valentine’s Day and donate blood,” said NBSZ.
Meanwhile, the country’s national blood bank stock levels are satisfactory. NBSZ said stocks as of last Friday stood at 2 000 units of blood.
The standard of the blood bank is to have between 1 500-2 000 units of blood at any given time.
“NBSZ is happy with the stock levels and hopes through the various blood drive campaigns the levels will continue improving,” it said.
NBSZ targets to collect 75 000 units of blood this year.
To achieve this, NBSZ said it would soon be announcing its planned donor mobilisation campaign, which will run under an agreed theme.
Through such campaigns NBSZ also hopes to open new adult panels and will also target companies, faith-based orgnisations and communities.
“Such panels will be useful especially during the holiday period when schools are closed,” NBSZ said.
Online Reporter