Staff Writer
Harare – The National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to providing safe, high-quality, and accessible blood products across the country, while emphasizing the vital role played by voluntary blood donors in saving lives.
In a public statement, the non-profit organization clarified its role in ensuring a sustainable blood supply chain and addressed common concerns about the management and distribution of blood in Zimbabwe.
“Blood donors are heroes whose contributions save countless lives. While blood itself is donated freely, making it safe and ready for transfusion involves significant operational costs,” said the NBSZ.
Once collected, blood undergoes a series of stringent processes before it can be transfused. These include:
Testing: Each unit of donated blood is rigorously screened for infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis, in line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Processing: Blood is separated into components — red blood cells, plasma, and platelets — to optimize its use in various medical situations.
Storage: Blood components are preserved under strict temperature-controlled conditions, with a limited shelf life.
Quality Control: Continuous oversight ensures each step of the process meets international safety standards.
“These procedures are crucial for the safety of patients receiving transfusions. We want the public to have full confidence in the integrity of the blood supply,” the NBSZ added.
In a progressive move to improve access to healthcare, the Government of Zimbabwe launched a free blood initiative in 2018, ensuring that blood and blood products are provided free of charge to patients in public hospitals.
According to the NBSZ, this initiative benefits vulnerable populations and is fully funded by the government.
Once blood is dispatched to healthcare institutions, its administration is overseen by those facilities. NBSZ emphasized that while it does not control the final distribution, it collaborates closely with hospitals to maintain transparency and efficiency in the system.
To further recognize the lifesaving contributions of regular donors, the NBSZ has introduced a Blood Components Beneficiary Policy.
Under this policy, donors who have given blood at least 10 times in their lifetime — with the last donation made within the past year — are entitled to free blood for their biological parents, children, or spouse, if ever required for transfusion.
“NBSZ is deeply committed to honoring and supporting our blood donors. Their generosity builds the foundation of a healthier, stronger nation,” the organization stated.
Donors facing difficulties are encouraged to reach out directly via the Communications Office through Vickie Maponga Mlilo at info@nbsz.co.zw for assistance.
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