Blood stocks at critical level

Metro-Blood-Bank

Prince Sunduzani, Chronicle Reporter
THE National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has said the blood bank has three days’ stock available for Harare, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central provinces  and called on all eligible donors to donate.
A shortage of blood may mean some people may die if they fail to access it.  Demand often peaks during the festive season as road accidents usually increase.

In an interview yesterday, NBSZ regional public relations officer for Matabeleland region Mr Sifundo Ngwenya said there was a need for a drive to encourage donations as the festive season is approaching.

“Our blood banks are on red at the moment meaning that the levels are critically low. You will recall that there was a mass drug administration and public examinations which was aimed at students, the population that we were targeting. This means that we could not get donations from learners who consist over 70 percent of our donations,” he said.

“What we need to do now is to be on overdrive in soliciting for blood from the community and like minded organisations that can give us this product so that we can improve the situation. We are calling on all individuals to donate so that we can reach the festive season being fluid enough.”

Every year, approximately 100 000 packs of blood are transfused in the country, with accident victims and anaemic patients consuming 60 percent of supplies while 40 percent is consumed by haemorrhaging women.

Mr Ngwenya said they have put in place measures to increase the harvesting of blood to mitigate the situation.

He urged people to donate to ensure that blood is available when needed.

“We are not panicking because we have put in place measures like we have engaged the SDA church which did donations at Mpilo hospital just last week and we managed to collect about 60 units.

“At the same time on Saturday we also managed to collect a sizeable number of units. This Saturday we will be engaging First Mutual at the Bulawayo City Hall car park where will be collecting from over 400 out of school students who could not donate at school,” said Mr Ngwenya.

He said those who wish to donate blood can go to the Bulawayo City Hall tomorrow or visit various points at the United Bulawayo Hospitals, and Corner Fourth Avenue and Josiah Tongogara Street. — @PrinceNkosy102

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