Zimbabwe runs out of blood stocks

The National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations as the country grapples with critically low supplies, an official has said.

Currently, national blood stocks are at alarming levels, ranging from less than one day to about two days' supply—well below the NBSZ's recommended minimum of five days. The organisation relies heavily on voluntary donations to meet national healthcare needs.

Speaking during a recent national blood campaign, NBSZ Blood Supply Executive Menard Mutenherwa highlighted the importance of partnerships with the private sector in reaching new donors, particularly working adults and families. "Saving lives is a collective effort that cuts across sectors. Partnerships like these significantly strengthen our ability to meet national blood requirements, and we encourage other private sector organisations to come forward and partner with NBSZ in this life-saving cause," Mutenherwa said.

He urged citizens across all age groups to donate consistently, emphasising the life-saving impact of a single donation. "Your single donation can save up to three lives. We encourage people to come forward with confidence, knowing that their contribution truly makes a difference," he said.

Mutenherwa also stressed that building a resilient blood supply system requires ongoing collaboration with trusted private sector partners to ensure Zimbabwe can reliably meet its healthcare needs in the future.

In Zimbabwe, blood transfusions are generally either autologous—donated by individuals for their own future use—or allogeneic, the most common type, which involves administering blood from one donor to a recipient with a matching blood type.

NBSZ, an independent not-for-profit entity mandated by law, oversees blood collection, processing, and distribution across the country. The organisation continues to urge citizens to donate and support efforts to maintain a sustainable national blood supply.