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Sharon Chigeza Mutare Correspondent
YOUTHS in Manicaland Province have been urged to continuously donate blood and create a strong blood donor base to avert episodes of blood shortages throughout the year.

Speaking at the World Blood Donor Day commemorations held at NBSZ clinic in Mutare yesterday, Manicaland provincial education director Mr Edward Shumba represented by his deputy director Mrs Clara Kanoyerera, said transfusion saves millions of lives every year hence it was crucial to have adequate stocks in blood banks.

“(Blood) can help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions live longer with a higher quality of life. It also has an essential life-saving role in maternal and child care and during the emergency response to man-made and natural disasters,” said Mr Shumba.

He added that due to the life-saving role blood transfusion plays, it was essential to maintain a strong blood donor base to avert situations of blood shortages given the rising demand for blood in the country.

“Blood stocks are essential in emergencies. Some blood types are rare so promoting the need for rare donor types is also part of today’s commemorations.

“Blood cannot be manufactured and has no substitute hence its constantly high demand. It is a highly perishable product with very short shelf life and therefore needs to be replenished constantly. Because of the seasonal blood shortages that sometimes occur during school holidays, it is important to create a strong blood donor base of committed youth and adults that consistently give blood to avert episodes of blood shortage throughout the year,” he said.

Mr Shumba commended Mutare NBSZ clinic for contributing over 90 percent of its required stock to the national blood bank and this has been achieved through support by schoolchildren in secondary schools.

“The demand for blood in the province stood at 2 377 units while Mutare branch supplied 2 213 units, translating to 93 percent supply rate. The 7 percent difference was due to the demand for blood group O which is high due to its universality,” said Mr Shumba.