The National Blood Services Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has called on young people to donate blood and beef up stocks ahead of the busy festive season which is usually characterized by high demand due road traffic accidents.
Speaking at the Youth Donor day last week, NBSZ Planning and Recruitment Officer, Peter Mutizwa said the blood bank stocks are low and would need to be stocked in preparation of the festive season.
“Because of the accidents happening at hospitals, the stocks are low but its not threatening, we always try to replenish as we go along every time,” said Mutizwa.
He went to say the safety of blood is guaranteed even though they are taking from the youths who are perceived as the most vulnerable to infections.
“The people always have something to do with perception, they talk about a lot of thing but we are saying the safety of blood is guaranteed,
“We test and do a lot of things to the blood, and always target that is willing to donate and usually they are always safe,” added Mutizwa.
In an interview with Esther Masunda, NBSZ Public Affairs Manager, she expressed gratitude over the number of youths that came through to donate blood in preparation for the festive season.
“Zimbabwe will be hosting a big congress where we are looking forward to about 10 000 delegates, lots of traffic will be going on and all this needs to be prepared for,
“We also have the maternal sector where pregnant women will be giving birth, 40% of the blood we collect goes to that department and that needs to be catered for,
“So as a service we need to be adequately prepared for such periods and am glad the youth donors came through to support the initiative,” said Masunda.
Ministry of Health and Child Care at the beginning of the month also made an urgent call for all citizens to donate blood for use during the festive season which usually records high road traffic accidents.
