By Tendai Chisiri
Harare’s Central Business District was awash with color as a procession of blood donors moved from Unity Square to the National Blood Services Zimbabwe (NBSZ) offices on Wednesday, interluding World Blood Donor Day commemorations in Kadoma.
The Harare branch is hosting the event on Saturday at Jameson High School in Kadoma, under the theme “Give Blood, Give Hope, Together We Save Lives”.
The procession, which started at Unity Square, moved along Jason Moyo Street, turned into Julius Nyerere Way, passed Harare Gardens, and took Sam Nujoma Street before reaching NBSZ offices via Josiah Tongogara and Mazowe Streets. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) provided valuable support, with ZRP offering escort services and ZPCS providing a band to entertain the crowd.
ZPCS Commissioner General’s representative, Colonel Superintendent Dr Itai Memory Vengesai, applauded the institutions involved, including blood donors and potential donors, saying: “Today, we gather to recognize one of the most profound acts of generosity – blood donation. Every drop donated represents hope for a mother experiencing complicated childbirth, a child battling cancer, or a patient undergoing life-saving surgery.”
Dr Vengesai emphasized that blood cannot be manufactured artificially and that voluntary blood donation is crucial in Zimbabwe’s healthcare system. She noted that every two seconds, someone needs blood, and with one pint, three lives can be saved. However, blood shortages remain a persistent challenge in Zimbabwe.
NBSZ CEO Lucy Marowa called for sponsorship and advocacy, urging people to donate blood and raise awareness about its importance. “We invite everyone, including business communities and blood donors themselves, to join us in celebrating World Blood Donor Day in Kadoma,” she said.
66-year-old blood donor Ernest Matongera shared his experience, urging people to make blood donation a lifestyle. “I started donating blood at 36 and do it about four times a year. I urge people to be consistent in donation,” he said.
The event featured performances by ZBC radio personalities Ndundu and Thabani, entertaining the crowd and promoting the cause.
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