Political disturbances that took place soon after the July 30 harmonized elections have affected the blood stock levels meant to boost the country’s blood bank in preparation for the just ended heroes and defence forces holiday, National Blood Services Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has revealed.
According to NBSZ Public Affairs Manager, Esther Massundah, her organization had to cancel on major activities meant to boost the blood bank for the heroes holiday due to political disturbances that rocked Harare Central Business District leaving shops closed and people staying at home.
“Following political disturbances that occurred in Harare last week, blood stock levels were affected as NBSZ cancelled major planned activities for Harare that were meant to boost the blood bank ahead of the Heroes holiday,
“The situation has since normalized with blood donors turning up for their donation on Monday 6 August 2018. The holiday campaign was activated on the 23rd of July 2018. NBSZ has intensified its donor calling for donors who are due to make their donation before the holidays,
“From 16th August to 30th August 2018, a series of blood drives for the youths, universities and corporate organizations, faith based organizations and the media are lined up. NBSZ will keep the public posted on the blood drives calendar through its various communication platforms,” said Massundah.
Following the introduction of the Free Blood Initiative on 1 July 2018, NBSZ has revised its collections upwards from 70 000 to 87 000 units of blood and is targeting to collect 5 350 units of blood this August.
“The target for the first half year for blood collection was 35 370 units; Actual number of units collected was 39 788 units thereby surpassing the target by 12%. This was necessitated by increased demand from the distributions hence collections were scaled up to meet demand,
“Collections for blood group ‘O’ constituted 55% of total collections. NBSZ has since introduced additional mobile teams to curb with the increase in demand.” added Massundah.
Meanwhile, NBSZ will be holding blood drive initiatives in Murombedzi; 16 August, Kadoma; 17 August, Harare Ladies Gala that had been scheduled for the 4th of August 2018 will now be held Saturday 18 August and Marondera; 23 August.
