We’ve Adequate Blood Stocks- NBSZ

By Martha Leboho

THE National Blood Services Zimbabwe (NBSZ) in Masvingo says it has adequate blood in stock for emergencies during this festive season.

The local branch manager for planning and recruitment Mr Michael Chakoma said they have already collected 75 percent of their total requirement.

“Let me assure the public that we have adequate blood stocks in quarantine for the festive season. We managed to collect atleast 892 units and we are confident we will meet our target of 1 200 units by December, 19,” said Chakoma.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic the blood drive was affected since the school calendar was reviewed and NBSZ rely more on school based blood donors. He added

However some donors were affected by the rains for them to travel to make their donation while other are already working in their fields on the summer crop season.

“The obvious challenge is that of fear brought by Covid-19 infections, we strictly adhere to Covid-19 protocols whenever we collect blood. Most of our Pledge 25 Club Zimbabwe members could not donate blood during the scheduled festive season.

“The rains as well affected donor movement such that we had to collect from their homes door to door which had its own challenges.

“Last year we had a target of 11605 units but we surpassed that by collecting 13039 units.”

Benjamin Gure, of Hippo Valley making his 26th donation.

Chakoma applauded members of Pledge 25 Club, adult walk in donors and high school based blood donors who have donated blood this festive season, also NBSZ Influencers have been doing blood donor recruitment in the communities.

Chakoma urged the public to come forward and donate blood at their offices so as to save lives.

By the end of next week their blood collection mobile teams would have covered , Rufaro hall ,Chitsanga Hall, and Chivaraidze hall.