adminHlabile Dube Chronicle Reporter
ABOUT 100 congregants from Word of Life International Ministries on Sunday donated blood to the National Blood Services of Zimbabwe (NBSZ). NBSZ public relations officer Sifundo Ngwenya commended the church members for taking the responsibility to donate blood to save life.
“Blood donation is everyone’s responsibility and it’s overwhelming to see that there are so many people who care about others by giving them a second chance at life. I would like to thank the church for this donation,” Ngwenya said.
“I still encourage members of the public to continue donating so that blood stocks remain adequate to meet the expected demand.”
A Chronicle news crew visited the congregates at the church situated along Robert Mugabe Way between 10th and 11th avenues where scores of members were donating blood.
One of the pastors, Busisa Moyo, said his church was concerned about preservation of life and assisting the community in times of need.
“Our motto is to influence the community for Christ and we want to contribute by giving blood that will help save lives. Our wish is to do this more often,” said Pastor Moyo.
He said their church was a member of the Evangelic Fellowship of Zimbabwe and that donating blood was part of the church’s social responsibility of giving back to the community.
One of the donors Precious Ndlovu, 31, a first time donor, said she was excited to be part of the exercise.
“It’s my first time and I am excited to help other people. I wish to do this every day,” she said.
While the public continues to donate blood there is an outcry over lack of blood supplies in major hospitals with the NBSZ cutting supplies over debts and demanding cash up front.
The blood bank has also increased blood prices per pint from $80 to $135 per pint, which is beyond the reach of many.
The critical shortage of blood in major referral hospitals is threatening thousands of lives as patients with chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes, accident victims and critically ill patients depend on blood transfusion.
Online Reporter