Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
THE country’s blood reserves have stabilised, with Zimbabwe’s youngest citizens playing a key role, now contributing over 55 percent of the national blood stock.
As the nation marked World Blood Donor Day this Friday at Ntabazinduna Training School in Matabeleland North, O and A-level pupils from various schools lined up to save lives, one drop at a time.
For 17-year-old Miriam Mujeki, the motivation to donate blood began on Monday, after her brother was among 18 people injured in a crash at Mahatshula Flyover along Harare Road in Bulawayo, an accident that left over 14 people with serious spine and head injuries.
“My brother was involved in a terrible accident on Monday. Seeing him and other patients in that state inspired me to donate blood today,” she said.
Most of Mujeki’s peers, who are first-time donors, say their goal is to become life-saving champions.
“I am donating blood because I want to help someone who is in dire need of it,” a learner said.
“There are accidents every day, and we lose lives because people do not have blood, so why not save someone by giving because you never know what tomorrow holds,” another learner said.
“My mother is the one who inspired me to donate blood today. She always tells me about the importance of this act of kindness,” a pupil said.
Veteran blood donors like Brighton Ncube say the steps being taken by young people show that the future of the nation’s blood stock is secure.
“I have donated over 50 times, and this act by young people shows that the future of the nation’s blood stock is secure,” he said.
Health experts emphasise that school-based donations have become the most important buffer during surgeries and mass casualty incidents.
“You will realise that the donation that we get from schools forms the bulk of the blood that we get in health facilities. These kids are young and energetic. They are still free from a lot of disease, so they are a critical source of blood,” United Bulawayo Hospitals Chief Medical Officer, Dr William Busumani said.
The National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) reports that with over 55 percent of the country’s blood supply coming from young people, the nation’s reserves largely rest on their contribution.
“The trend back then was mainly like this, we used to get 70%of our blood from young people, but now it is about 55 percent which shows that the nation’s blood supply rests on young people,” National Blood Service Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer, Ms Lucy Marowa said.
World Blood Donor Day is commemorated annually on June 14. This year’s theme is: “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.”
