adminHerald Reporter
National Blood Service Zimbabwe and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe yesterday launched the 2014 festive season campaign to raise awareness on blood donations to boost the blood bank during the forthcoming holidays.
NBSZ spokesperson Mrs Esther Masunda said 9 135 units of blood were needed to cater for accidents during the festive season.
“On December 5 and 6 we will be holding Youth Donor Day at the NBSZ centres targeting youths who did not manage to donate blood during their public examination period and we are targeting 4 185 units from them.
“We are also targeting 4 930 units of blood from the NBSZ Joina City clinic through this campaign.
“However, should the demand increase or decrease, the target will be adjusted accordingly,” she said.
Mrs Masunda urged Zimbabweans to have a culture of donating blood. “The reason why NBSZ experiences seasonal shortages is because, as adults, we have abdicated our roles and responsibilities to the youth. We must recognise we all have a role to play,” she said.
Mrs Masunda said the blood bank stock was low and there was need to boost the bank.
She said in a bid to convince people to donate blood, her organisation had patterned with Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe and other stakeholders in the awareness campaign.
Blood donor, Mr Abiot Moyo, said donating blood should be a national responsibility as anyone could lose blood any time through accidents.
The national blood bank usually stocks between 1500 to 2000 units, representing approximately seven days’ supply.
Online Reporter
Charles Duri