Online Reporter
Michelle Musandinyoze, Zimpapers Writer
BULAWAYO residents have urged the nation to donate blood and help save lives as hospitals face a shortage of blood.
The call came during a blood donation drive on Friday that was organised by National Blood Services Zimbabwe (NBSZ) in collaboration with Redan Petroleum, where donors were given fuel coupons as a token of appreciation.
Blood donation in Zimbabwe is largely voluntary, but the country frequently experiences shortages due to high demand in hospitals for emergencies such as road accidents, surgeries and chronic conditions like anaemia and sickle cell disease.
Magwegwe resident Twazumina Muzamba, a first-time donor, encouraged others to follow suit, describing the experience as fulfilling.
“I am going to continue donating blood as I realised it is an important way to help others who require transfusions,” he said.
Another donor, Desmond Chizhanje from Nkulumane suburb, highlighted the importance of blood donations given the rising number of road accidents in the country. He emphasised the need for awareness to overcome misconceptions surrounding blood donation.
“I think for us who have donated, it is important that when we go back home, we encourage others who may be afraid to understand the importance of donating blood,” he said.
There was also a strong youth participation in the exercise. Farai Makiwa (20) from North End suburb said he hopes more people his age will step forward and donate blood.
“At first, I thought it was going to be a scary process, but I realised the process is simple, and the staff made me feel comfortable. I am grateful I made this decision,” he said.
Mr Sifundo Ngwenya, NBSZ Southern Region Co-ordinator, said the drive aims to collect 450 units of blood, slightly more than the 425 units collected during the previous drive.
He also noted that NBSZ relies on community participation to maintain adequate blood stocks and save lives.
Mr Ngwenya said that with blood demand outstripping supply, such campaigns enable hospitals to respond to emergencies and save lives.
