NBSZ prepares for festive season blood drive, targ...

NBSZ prepares for festive season blood drive, targets to boost national stocks

Rutendo Mazhindu

ZimNow Reporter

The National Blood Services Zimbabwe is set to launch its annual festive season blood collection campaign this November, targeting adult donors and recent school leavers, particularly those who have just completed their examinations. The campaign is aimed at boosting the national blood bank ahead of the holiday period.

NBSZ Chief Executive Officer Ms. Lucy Maruwa announced that the organization had successfully collected 61,143 units of blood so far, reaching 93% of their target for the year.

“The NBSZ set a goal to collect 87,704 units in 2024. By the end of Q3, we should have collected 65,778 units, but in reality, we have gathered 61,143 units, which is 93% of the target for this period,” Maruwa explained.

She emphasised that they are on track to meet their annual goal, adding, “If we do fall short, it will be by a small margin, no more than 10%.”

As part of their festive season preparations, NBSZ plans to encourage more donations from adults and school leavers to ensure adequate blood supplies. They will also host partner-supported blood drives in communities to make blood donation more accessible and will leverage the Pledge 25 Club to bring in more donors.

“We will also explore synergistic partnerships to promote messages of safety and responsible behavior during the festive season,” Maruwa added.

Despite facing challenges such as transportation issues and stock dips, NBSZ has maintained sufficient blood stocks for most of the year, with at least five days' worth of supply on hand at all times.

Maruwa acknowledged that there were brief periods where stock levels dropped to between one and three days' worth, particularly for blood group O. This was primarily caused by flooding in the UAE, which disrupted the delivery of critical blood bags and test kits. Recent transportation challenges affecting test kits have also contributed to a temporary shortage, but the issue has since been resolved.

NBSZ operates five branches across Zimbabwe, located in Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo, Gweru, and Mutare. With their efforts underway, the organization is confident of maintaining adequate blood supplies through the festive season.