The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube Sunday News Correspondent
THE National Blood Service Zimbabwe will this weekend take advantage of Valentine’s Day to coerce couples to come forward and donate blood.
NBSZ Community representative, Mr Ndumiso Gumede, said they would hold a special event called the Valentine’s Plead, where couples will be encouraged to donate blood on Saturday, which will be Valentine’s Day.
The event will see the NBSZ set up a mobile site at Pick and Pay Hyper for people to donate blood, with particular emphasis on couples.
“Women are particularly vulnerable and might find themselves in need of blood during childbirth hence we are targeting couples to encourage them to build a habit of giving blood.
“Two mobile sites will be set up with one at Hyper in the city centre and the other at Nkulumane Shopping Complex,” he said.
Mr Gumede, who is a celebrated football administrator, however, added that all people will be welcome to give blood at the sites, even singles.
He said it was worrying that when people are still at school they would freely give blood but when they grow up they stop donating the life-saving liquid.
The Highlanders chief executive officer said people should develop a habit of giving blood as the precious liquid was critical.
“About 80 to 90 percent of blood comes from pupils and this is worrying because that same blood is taken up by adults who do not want to contribute to the blood bank.
“I would like to urge couples to come forward in their numbers on Saturday and also make this a habit,” said Mr Gumede.
Mr Gumede along with another safe blood ambassador, musician Sandra Ndebele-Sibindi will be at the two sites on Valentine’s Day to plead with couples to give blood.
NSBZ Matabeleland region public relations officer Mr Sifundo Ngwenya said besides being proud of saving lives, those who donate blood have free access to transfusions and blood-related products together with their immediate family members.
“A blood donor, together with his immediate family such as mother, father, wife and children, are offered free transfusions and blood services.
“Another benefit of giving blood is that one is able to keep his health in check as various diseases such as anaemia, blood pressure and weight loss would be easily detected,” he said.
