Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa recently in Kadoma
ZIMBABWE joined the global community in celebrating World Blood Donor Day, with the National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) and various health organisations recognising the vital role donors play in ensuring a safe and sufficient supply for patients nationwide.
Commemorations to mark World Blood Donor Day were held under the theme: ‘Give blood, give hope: together we save lives.’
Activities reflected a commitment to enhance the health system and ensure that all citizens have access to safe blood when needed.
The theme highlights the transformative impact of blood donations on individuals and communities, particularly those undergoing complex medical procedures, women facing childbirth complications and patients with serious conditions like sickle cell disease.
At the commemoration event in Kadoma, NBSZ CEO Ms Lucy Marowa expressed appreciation for blood donors, saying they embody the spirit of hope, providing strength to patients and their families.
She also praised educational institutions for their commitment to instilling the value of lifesaving generosity in young people, fostering a culture where giving blood becomes a shared responsibility.
“With every drop, you remind the world that kindness and compassion are limitless,” said Ms Marowa.
“This is not just an annual event. It is a movement that reminds us that blood donation is a gift of hope, a gift of life,” she said.
Ms Marowa encouraged more citizens to participate as the need for blood is constant.
World Health Organization (WHO) Strategic Health, Policy and Planning Coordinator DR Najibullah Safi talked of the critical role of blood transfusions in emergencies and ongoing treatments.
He pointed out the particular importance of blood donation for women experiencing complications during childbirth, children affected by malaria or malnutrition and accident victims.
“Without you, we are doomed as a nation,” said the WHO representative, reinforcing the importance of voluntary blood donation in ensuring a stable supply.
Sickle Cell Anaemia Trust Zimbabwe Founder Ms Molyn Chima highlighted the urgent need for blood donations, particularly for patients suffering from sickle cell disease, a condition that poses severe health challenges.
“One of the most effective treatments for managing these complications is blood transfusion,” she said.
Ms Chima explained that timely interventions can lead to faster healing and better health outcomes.
The National Blood Service Zimbabwe has so far collected 73 percent of its 2025 target of 97 500 units, a significant amount, thanks to the continued commitment from blood donors.
The Kadoma event highlighted the lifesaving impact of regular blood donation. It also sought to encourage more people to participate.
