Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
THE National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has launched its 2025 festive season blood donation campaign, targeting nearly 8 000 units to meet heightened holiday demand.
The campaign, which runs from 1 December to mid-January, aims to address seasonal shortages caused by increased travel, road accidents, medical emergencies, and school closures, which reduce the pool of regular young donors.
National Blood Service Zimbabwe CEO, Ms Lucy Marowa, urged citizens to embrace the initiative, emphasising the life-saving impact of blood donation.
“We are counting on you, as the Republic of Zimbabwe, to come together to share the gift of life, the gift that keeps on giving, which is the gift of life. So our campaign this year is actually hinged on joy, generosity, and life-giving action. That’s why we are saying, jingle all the way to the blood bank. We want every Zimbabwean to know that by giving blood, they’re giving the most precious gift of all, a gift which is a part of their love, a gift of life. So whether you are a first-time donor, or you’ve been a regular donor before, thank you, or you have actually lapsed as a donor in that you have not given blood in a long time, you are welcome. Make your way to the next blood bank and jingle as you give the gift that keeps on giving,” she said.
ZBC News also got a chance to speak to Mr Taurai Ndoro, a regular blood donor who urged people to partake in this selfless act of giving blood.
According to NBSZ, the target for the festive season running from the 1st of December to mid-January is 7 800 units, a goal the organisation says is achievable through intensified community blood drives and over 90 mobile collection points nationwide.
Static clinics will operate daily up to December 24, closing only on the 25th, 26th, and on New Year’s Day.
For the broader 2025 target, the service aims to collect 97 500 units.
From January to October this year, NBSZ had already collected more than 73 000 units, achieving 90 percent of its projected target and positioning itself to surpass last year’s annual count of more than 77 000 units.
All public hospitals continue to provide blood free of charge, ensuring equitable access for patients nationwide.
