Story by Tamuka Charakupa
KADOMA – THE National Blood Service Zimbabwe has allayed misinformation on the cost of blood which was being fuelled in some sections of the media , explaining that the lifesaving fluid is free of charge within public health institutions.
This came out during the World Blood Donor Day commemorations held on Saturday in Kadoma, where Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in honouring blood donors under the theme: “Give Blood, Give Hope: Together We Save Lives.”
NBSZ Chief Executive Officer, Ms Lucy Marowa, explained the full cost breakdown associated with blood collection and processing, which has been at the centre of recent public debates.
“We have a target this year of collecting 97 500 units, an increase from last year’s 88 700 units. However, to meet this target, we require significant resources, from blood bags and laboratory reagents to transport, staff salaries, and operational overheads.”
She added that a comprehensive costing model, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, has shown that producing a single unit of blood in Zimbabwe costs US$250, inclusive of an incidental fee of US$5.
NBSZ Board Chairperson, Advocate Passmore Nyakureba, reiterated that blood remains free at all public hospitals due to a formal arrangement between the government and NBSZ.
“Only private health facilities require patients to pay for blood services. Furthermore, any donor who has given blood more than ten times, along with their immediate family members, can access blood for free,” he stated.
The commemorative event was also graced by World Health Organisation (WHO) representative Dr Najibullah Safi, who applauded Zimbabwe’s strides in blood safety and donor mobilisation over the past five years.
“Blood donors are the backbone of transfusion services. Their generosity is life-saving, and we commend Zimbabwe for continued progress in this vital area,” he said.
The event attracted hundreds of blood donors, many of whom shared personal motivations for participating in the noble cause.
Ms Gladys Mutasa, a fifth-time donor, spoke emotionally of how her sister in Kwekwe received free blood during a medical emergency, a benefit directly linked to her donation history.
“When my sister had a miscarriage and needed urgent blood, she was assisted freely because of my donation record. That experience has motivated me to continue donating,” she said.
Ms Catherine Sengeredo, another blood donor, reflected on the emotional impact of blood shortages.
“It saddens me to hear of lives lost due to a lack of blood. No one knows what tomorrow holds, so I find comfort in doing my part,” she noted.
Ms Tadiwanashe Gwamba urged more young people to join the movement.
“Saving lives should be a collective effort. Youth engagement is vital in maintaining adequate blood stocks in our hospitals,” she said.
The World Blood Donor Day commemorations not only celebrated the selflessness of donors, but also served as a reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard the nation’s blood supply.
