Online Reporter
Trust Freddy-Herald Correspondent
NATIONAL Blood Service Zimbabwe has credited a recent partnership with Redan Petroleum, which offered donors a 5-litre fuel coupon, for the successful collection of nearly 1 000 units of blood in a single day.
The nationwide blood donation drive, held last Friday, yielded 979 units, narrowly missing the ambitious 1 000-unit target set by NBSZ to boost national reserves ahead of the festive season.
In an interview yesterday, NBSZ chief executive officer, Ms Lucy Marowa, lauded the effectiveness of the incentive-based campaign.
“In a remarkable show of community spirit and generosity, we successfully held a nationwide blood donation drive last Friday in partnership with Redan, aimed at boosting our blood bank ahead of the festive season,” she said.
“The response was overwhelming: We collected 176 units at Redan Zindoga in Harare, 198 units at Redan Msasa, 292 units at Redan Makokoba in Bulawayo, and an impressive 313 units at Redan Main Street in Gweru, bringing us to a total of 979 units. Although just shy of our 1 000-unit target, we are deeply grateful to every donor who came forward to give the gift of life. Your support is invaluable and will go a long way in saving lives this holiday season.”
She implored other corporations to follow Redan’s example and introduce initiatives to boost the country’s blood stocks.
Ms Marowa also revealed that, starting December 1, the NBSZ will be mobilising youth across the country to donate blood at all branches, cities, towns and growth points, as it is Youth Donor Month.
“Every donor will receive a T-shirt, enjoy entertainment and experience the joy of giving in a fun, vibrant environment. This is NBSZ way of saying no to drug and substance abuse and yes to saving lives and building a better future.
“T-shirts for P25 blood donors will be ready by the 26 November 2025 as NBSZ has procured equipment for in-house printing.”
She also implored motorists to exercise caution during the upcoming festive season.
“The travelling public should exercise extreme caution and strive to prevent road traffic accidents. Road traffic accidents will put pressure on the demand for the already constrained supply of blood and blood products which is typical of this time of the year.”
