Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Zimpapers Correspondent
As long-term contributors celebrated significant donation milestones this week, veteran blood donors and the National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) have called on the youth to emulate a “lifestyle of giving” to ensure a sustainable and safe national blood supply.
The call was made at a ceremony hosted by NBSZ in Harare to honour Mr Julian Ronald Buss who has donated blood 300 times, a heroic achievement that has saved countless lives.
Mr Buss began his journey at the age of 25 and continued to do so until the age of 70.
“I was 25 years old when I started donating blood,” he said.
“l was only stopped by a regulation that said after 70 years I can’t donate anymore. So in July 2022 l stopped.”
Some individuals have also clocked over 140 blood donations.
Mr Tichaona Saira, another dedicated donor who began donating blood in 1982 at the age of 19 currently stands at 144 donations.
“I donate blood at least three times a year, sometimes I do so six times. I hope to continue doing so until I hit 65 years.”
Professor Takafira Mduluza who has reached 117 donations said: “So far, I have reached 117 donations. I started donating blood long back when I was an upper sixth student at Chinhoyi High School,” he said.
“There are a lot of accidents happening every day, and blood is lost through those accidents and childbirth. For those people to be saved, there is need for blood donations.”
NBSZ CEO, Ms Lucy Marowa said such dedication serves as a blueprint for the younger generation.
“Our young blood donors have something to aspire to. When we have advocates for blood donation, we can build a sustainable National Blood Programme with no shortages. We need to build a safe blood supply through regular blood donations,” she said.
“People come in, not once, not twice, but all the time to donate blood.
“It takes time and commitment to donate blood 300 times. It’s encouragement to every donor who has said such a lifestyle is possible.”
