The Covid-19 induced lockdown has affected the harvesting of blood from members of the public and the stocks have drastically dropped, National Blood Services -Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has said.
In its latest statement, NBSZ called upon donors who are due and those who have not donated in a while to come forward and boost their stocks.
NBSZ said its clinics would open from Thursday February 18 and those who wish to donate blood can visit the facilities between 8am and 5pm.
“NBSZ is urgently appealing for blood donors of all blood groups to come forward and make that lifesaving donation as the blood stocks are critically low. The Covid-19 pandemic has created challenges that have impacted on blood stocks globally and Zimbabwe has not been spared. It’s hard to underscore how damaging the one-two punch of COVID 19 and the lockdown measures have been on the blood bank,” the statement read.
“It’s not due to more patients needing blood products but rather, it’s reduced numbers of donations coming in. NBSZ is appealing to all blood donors who are due or who have not donated for a while and to healthy members of our communities who have not donated before to come forward and make a lifesaving donation.”
NBSZ explained that for one to be eligible to donate blood, they must be aged 16years or older, weigh at least 50kgs or more and be in general good health.
“NBSZ daily stock requirements nationally are at 315 units of blood. A little of your time will ensure that patients undergoing surgery and receiving treatment for cancer and blood diseases, such as leukemia, continue to receive the life-giving transfusions they need,” the statement read.
“For one to be eligible to donate blood, you must be aged 16 years or older, weigh at least 50kgs or more and be in general good health. Donors of all blood types are urged to give blood at their nearest donor centre or mobile blood drives. As from Thursday 18 February 2021, NBSZ Clinics open from 8am to 5pm to provide more opportunity for donors to donate.”
