The Sunday News
Tendai Bhebe, Sunday News Reporter
THE National Blood Services Zimbabwe is planning to expand its catchment area in a bid to boost the dwindling stocks of blood, mainly the blood group O which is in short supply.
In an interview, NBSZ southern region spokesperson Mr Sifundo Ngwenya said NBSZ was planning to expand the area covered by their Pledge 25 Club.
“We want to expand the peripheral area covered by our Pledge 25 Club. We wish to encourage adults in the workplace, in the communities we want to tell ourselves that when we move towards the holiday there should be no stone unturned. We should be able to reach out to all the 29 wards in Bulawayo and beyond even in Gwanda or Plumtree and everywhere else in the southern region so that at least we get all the people involved in this issue,” said Mr Ngwenya.
He said the NBSZ would be working tirelessly to stock up more blood by involving other organisations.
“We want to work with various stakeholders so that we stock up enough blood. We want to ensure that we level up blood supplies as much just like we did during the festive season. And over and above we want to try and use as much as possible ethical means to try and reach out to everyone,” he said.
Mr Ngwenya appealed for more blood donations as there has been an increase in demand.
“We are appealing to the people to come and donate blood because we need so much blood. I can’t explain how much exactly is needed but all I know is more blood is needed. Blood needs are triggered by different ever occurring circumstances,” he said.
“The other challenge is that the blood has a shelf life of 42 days. After 42 days if it is not used then it is discarded but unfortunately at the moment we cannot have that luxury of having anything expiring on us. We are calling on those who are 16 years and above weighing at least 50 kilogrammes to come and help us.”
He said during the previous festive season they managed to meet their target.
@TendaiBhebe
