SOME parts of the Midlands province recorded a reduction in the number of blood donors during the just-ended festive season, the Southern Eye has learnt.
Stephen Chadenga Own correspondent
According to Midlands National Blood Services Zimbabwe (NBSZ) public relations officer Aggrey Ngazana, the province managed to meet demand at all hospitals, but fell short of meeting the targeted number of donors in some districts.
Ngazana said there was need for people to have a culture of donating blood to avert shortages.
“Prior to the festive season, we had a target of 250 donors in Gweru, but only realised 193,” he said.
“Shurugwi and Zvishavane had a target of 50 donors each, but only 27 and 12, respectively came forward.”
Ngazana said youths, particularly from schools, formed the biggest number of blood contributors, but bemoaned what he called “adult donor apathy” in the province.
“It is unfortunate that despite adults being the biggest consumers of donated blood, there is general adult donor apathy.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“We urge adults to come out and donate blood.”
Ngazana, however, said all the hospitals in the province were supplied their blood demands.
The national target of 13 700 was almost reached during the festive season, but NBSZ said there is need to replenish stocks, which depleted during the holidays due to road accidents.
Between December 15 and 29 2014, 630 people were injured, compared to 487 the previous year.
Every year approximately 100 000 packs of blood are transfused, with accidents and anaemic patients accounting for 60%, while haemorrhaging mothers uses up the remainder.
