The 2020 edition of World Blood Donor Day was celebrated on 14 June 2020 under the theme “Safe blood saves lives” and the slogan “Give blood and make the world a healthier place”.
Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Obadiah Moyo in his speech underscored the importance of blood donations in the wellbeing of communities in times of need.
“Blood donations are needed to ensure individuals and communities have access to safe and quality-assured blood and blood products in both normal and emergency situations,” said Dr Moyo.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) stressed the importance of a nation having an adequate supply of blood during this Covid-19 pandemic.
“In March 2020, WHO issued guidelines on maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply during the COVID-19 pandemic…it has been noted that the outbreak can have a significant impact on blood supplies through reduced donations,” said the Health Minister.
Dr Moyo applauded the National Blood Services of Zimbabwe (NBSZ) for upholding high standards in providing safe and high quality blood to all health institutions across the country.
“Ministry of Health is pleased with the efforts made by NBSZ in ensuring that the blood they collect and distribute to health institutions in Zimbabwe is safe for transfusion to the patient.
“NBSZ has managed to consistently maintain an efficient quality management system and the Ministry of Health has never received reports questioning the quality and safety of the blood distributed by the NBSZ,” said the Health Minister.
The NBSZ has distinguished itself as a provider of good quality blood and is ranked among the best in the region and offering training to other countries.
“In fact, NBSZ is recognised as one of the best Blood Services in the Region that has seen almost 13 countries within Africa coming to learn from them, we must applaud them for this,” said Dr Moyo.
Dr Moyo took the opportunity to thank blood donors who had exceptionally done well in donating blood.
“Amongst those being celebrated in Zimbabwe are milestone blood donors who deserve our mention: Mr Julian Ronald Buss for attaining 280 blood donations, Mr Leo Ngezimani on 202 donations and lastly female blood donor Mrs Jennnifer Hogg on 196 blood donations,” said the Health Minister.
