John Ndlovu
While many lovers were busy celebrating Valentine’s day buying gifts and flowers, Medical Aid Society of Central Africa (MASCA) in conjunction with the National Blood Services Zimbabwe thought of mobilising blood donations.
The National Blood Services Zimbabwe (NBSZ) Southern Region, working hand in hand with MASCA decided to “express love” by encouraging the citizens to give (donate) blood as a Valentine’s gift to augument the dwindling blood bank.
Since this was done on Valentine’s day, organizers of the programme decided to motivate and reward donors by giving them Valentine’s treats comprising of NBSZ branded cups laden with chocolates.
Speaking to Zim GBC News Southern Region Blood Donor Cordinator for NBSZ, Mfundo Ngwenya stated that as the association together with MASCA they decided to express love in a different way via collecting the precious liquid which is in high demand because of its scarcity.
“As the National Blood Services Zimbabwe we decided to put blood target of 100 units which we surpassed as we celebrated the month of love in partnership with MASCA. We decided to do something special for people in dire need for blood through mobilizing blood collections.” Ngwenya said.
Ngwenya commended the unwavering support from donors who came in their numbers to support the programme launched on that day all for a good cause.
The National Blood Services Zimbabwe Southern Region also initiated a public draw where all those who donated on the day stood a chance to win prizes such as gas equipment and smartphones. All this was done in a bid to encourage more people to donate blood.
The initiative to lure people to donate by means of giving them prizes and gifts was fruitful. It played significant role in attracting numerous people to donate as a result the target blood collection as mentioned earlier, was surpassed.
Over the years schools play a pivotal role in blood donation. Ngwenya expressed great appreciation to schools and went on to say that they have been the backbone of blood donation. He stated that over 70% of the blood they get from the Southern Region is from school going youths.
“These children are our window of hope in society, we really depend on them as they benchmark our collections to keep the blood bank up to scratch in terms of collection, ” Ngwenya said.
NBSZ has an initiative encouraging out of school youths to donate blood which is known as Pledge 25 Club. The purpose of the club is to encourage school leavers to donate 25 pints of blood after their school in their lifetime.
Marvel Ncube who is a blood donor expressed the importance of donating blood. He applauded the initiative from MASCA and NBSZ, sighting the importance of sharing love in different ways.
“I am very glad and delighted to extend my love through donating to those in need on this special day of love. It is not only dedicated to those involved in romantic relationships but involves expressing and sharing love to families, friends, colleagues and anyone.”