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Sibongile Maruta Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe’S second largest mobile network provider NetOne has donated $25 000 to the National Blood Service Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Harare on Wednesday, NetOne’s chief executive Mr Lazarus Muchenje said the mobile network provider remains committed to providing support to life saving institutions.
“As the one with the people at heart, NetOne remains committed to providing support to life saving institutions and our values resonate with this year’s theme ‘Donation as an action of solidarity’. This year’s partnership marks the 12th year of NetOne’s continuous support to NBSZ.
“This year as NetOne we are contributing $25 000 towards the NBSZ blood donation initiatives. Beyond the figure, we are partnering them in every step as they carry out their campaigns,” he said.
Mr Muchenje said NetOne is creating a voluntary blood donation culture. Internal campaigns are already on the cards. In every school that NBSZ is going to visit NetOne will be by their side rewarding the schools that donate the most blood.
He urged corporates to come on board to ensure that the national blood bank is always adequately stocked.
NBSZ chief executive Ms Lucy Marowa expressed her gratitude to NetOne for the donation, which she said would go a long way in helping NBSZ fulfil its mandate of saving lives by giving blood to patients.
“NetOne is spearheading the #BetheOneCampaign that primarily targets the youths who constitute 78 percent of the total blood donors. Their donation will go a long way in helping us achieve our mandate.
“I also call upon adults to up the game. NetOne has stood with NBSZ since 2006 and have in the past donated a caravan that we use as a mobile clinic that is currently at Joina City in Harare CBD,” said Ms Marowa.
She said NetOne has constantly supported the World Blood Day held on June 14 every year and has become synonymous with the day.
Secretary for Health and Child Care Dr Gerald Gwinji in a voice note from Geneva where he is attending the World Health Organisation Assembly, thanked NetOne for the donation, which he said will go a long way in assisting Zimbabweans to access blood.
Online Reporter