Concerns over high cost of blood in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe faces a critical health challenge as the high cost of blood continues to contribute to poverty-related deaths and acts as a significant barrier preventing many ordinary citizens from accessing essential health services.

The country recently observed World Blood Donor Day under the global theme, Give Blood. Give Hope – Together We Save Lives, underscoring the lifesaving impact of blood donation.

At the event, National Blood Services Zimbabwe (NBSZ) Executive Director Lucy Marowa revealed that the organisation aims to collect 97,500 units of blood in 2025, having achieved 73% of this target in the first half of the year.

"Last year, we collected 71,544 units against a target of 88,430 units, achieving 81%. Despite operational challenges, we have raised this year's target," Marowa said.

NBSZ Board Chairperson Passmore Nyakureba urged Zimbabweans to donate blood, emphasizing its critical role in saving lives.

"Your donation can be the difference between life and death for someone in need. Let us unite as a community to give hope to those relying on blood transfusions," he stated.

However, concerns persist over the prohibitive cost of blood, which remains a major obstacle for many patients. Itai Rusike, Executive Director of the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH), highlighted the dire situation, particularly for pregnant women and trauma victims.

"The country has a high demand for blood transfusions due to bleeding related to pregnancy and childbirth, road traffic accidents, and other injuries. Pregnant women, who make up a large proportion of this demand, often require at least three pints of blood during excessive blood loss," Rusike explained.

With approximately half a million pregnancies expected annually in Zimbabwe, the demand for blood is substantial. However, the current cost of a single 250ml unit of blood stands at around US$250 - a price far beyond the means of most Zimbabweans, including those in formal employment.

Rusike called on the government to intervene urgently by subsidizing blood services to make them affordable and accessible for all.

"Every Zimbabwean, regardless of economic status, must be able to access this vital component of healthcare. We need increased investment in sustainable national blood programmes to guarantee affordability and availability of blood and blood products," he said.

The CWGH also warned that the shortage and high cost of blood compromise healthcare quality, particularly in surgical theatres, urging both the National Blood Services Zimbabwe and the Ministry of Health and Child Care to devise innovative and sustainable strategies to boost the number of eligible blood donors.

The call comes as Zimbabwe strives to improve healthcare delivery and reduce preventable deaths linked to blood shortages and costs.