By Naledi Dube

The National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has raised concern over critically low blood supplies and is urging members of the public to urgently donate blood to help save lives.

Provincial Blood Donor Coordinator Micheal Chakoma said the blood bank has been severely affected by increased demand during the festive season.

“Our blood bank is currently very low, and we are appealing to residents to come forward and donate blood,” said Chakoma. “Although efforts to stabilise supplies are underway, demand for blood and blood products usually peaks during the festive season.”

To address the shortage, Chakoma said NBSZ has lined up a series of blood donation outreach programmes across the province.

He said NBSZ will conduct a blood donation drive at Redan Pangolin Service Station in Masvingo on 9 January 2026. This will be followed by another outreach on 14 January 2026 at St Luke’s Nyaningwe, Chivi Growth Point. The festive season campaign will conclude on 17 January 2026 at Chitsanga Hall in Chiredzi.

“This will mark the end of our festive season campaigns, after which we will resume engagement with our high school–based blood donors,” said Chakoma.

NBSZ continues to encourage all eligible donors to donate blood, emphasising that a single donation can save up to three lives.