MTHANDAZO NYONI,OWN CORRESPONDENT
THE National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) is targeting to collect 4 000 units of blood in preparation for the festive season which is usually characterised by a high number of road accidents.
Speaking to our Bulawayo Bureau on Friday, NBSZ public affairs manager Esther Massundah said today, they would, in conjunction with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), launch a national campaign to mobilise blood donations countrywide.
“The launch will be done in Harare and it will roll across the country,” said Massundah.
“On the same day, we will also launch the month of December as a youth donor month where youths will be encouraged to come and donate blood in large numbers.
“December 6 has also been dedicated as a special day and is targeting those youths who were writing examinations and could not get time to come and donate blood.”
She also urged parents to donate blood.
At any given time, the blood bank must have at least 2 500 units of blood as the standard.
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Massundah said the target of 4 000 units could be adjusted upwards or downwards depending on the demand.
Blood donations increased from 75 949 units in 2011 to 81 779 units in 2012.
However, despite the increase in collections, NBSZ still failed to satisfy the hospital requirements consistently throughout the year.
Last year, a total of 658 accidents were recorded during the festive season.