NBSZ and Redan Offer Free 5-Liter Fuel Coupons in Blood Donation Partnership

Gweru, Zimbabwe – The National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) Midlands, in partnership with Redan, is gearing up for a significant blood donation drive aimed at mobilizing 300 donors in a single day. Scheduled for Friday, September 6, 2024, this initiative is part of a broader effort to address seasonal blood shortages that arise when schools are closed.

Aggrey Ngazana, the NBSZ Midlands Planning and Recruitment Officer and Blood Donor Coordinator, highlighted the critical role of partnerships in achieving their goals. “Redan is one of our biggest partners in blood donor mobilization,” Ngazana said. “We are incredibly grateful to Redan for their support, and we encourage other players to come on board. If just 10% of the Midlands province’s population participates, we could secure enough blood reserves.”

Brandon Tembo, the Territory Manager at Redan, confirmed the event and emphasized Redan’s commitment to working closely with NBSZ to mobilize donors. “The 5-liter fuel coupon is our way of complementing the time people invest in coming to donate blood,” Tembo said.

The drive will take place at Redan’s Main Filling Station on Main Street, opposite the Gweru Law Courts and next to Gweru Toyota. The event will start at 7:30 AM and continue until the target of 300 donors is met.

NBSZ is calling on all eligible donors aged 16 to 65 years old, weighing 55kg and above, to participate. “We welcome all blood donors,” Ngazana emphasized. “Our target is to bring in 300 donors for the day, and with the community’s support, we can achieve this.”

The need for blood donations is particularly acute during school holidays, as 75% of NBSZ’s blood supply typically comes from school-going children. Youths outside of school make up 15% of donors, with the remaining contributions coming from adults. “We face seasonal shortages when schools are closed, making drives like this one essential,” Ngazana explained.

Importantly, since 2018, when the new dispensation came into power, blood is now free in all government-owned and public hospitals across Zimbabwe. This policy change has made access to life-saving blood transfusions more equitable and accessible for all citizens, further underscoring the critical need for sustained blood donations.

While Redan is the only partner for this event, Ngazana called on other media houses, faith-based organizations, and corporates to support future blood drives by offering coverage, donor education, and access to their congregants and workforce.

This blood donation drive represents a vital opportunity for the community to come together and make a life-saving contribution. NBSZ encourages everyone who is eligible to participate and help meet the province’s blood needs.

For more information about blood donation or how to get involved, visit the NBSZ Midlands office or contact them through their social media channels.