MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-The city of gold is set to host this year’s 20th World Blood Donor Day celebrations which will be held under the theme ’20 Years of Celebrating Giving, Thank You Blood Donors’.
This was confirmed by the National Blood Service Zimbabwe, chief executive officer, Lucy Marowa in telephone interview with The Midweek Watch, but did not give details.
“The finer details about the event will be availed during the launch at a date to be announced in due course,” said Marowa.
The WBDD celebrations are held globally every year on June 14 and this year the national event will be held in Kwekwe on June 15 at a school to be advised during a press conference on Friday in Harare.
The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and to thank voluntary blood donors for their life-saving contributions.
The event is organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with national health authorities and blood services across the globe.
The celebration of World Blood Donor Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the selfless contribution of blood donors and encourages individuals to become regular donors.
It also highlights the ongoing need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion purposes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an adequate and sustainable blood supply.
The annual event will also be attended by NBSZ board members led by the chairman, Dr Rodgers Matsikidze.
Various activities take place during the event, including blood drives, educational campaigns on blood donation, and recognition of outstanding blood donors and organizations involved in promoting voluntary blood donation.
These initiatives aim to mobilize individuals and communities to actively participate in blood donation and to create a supportive environment for this life-saving act.
In 2023 the celebrations were held at Victoria High School in Masvingo where the WHO country representative, Professor Jean-Marie Dangou was the guest of honor.
Several schools including Gokomere, Mutendi, Ndarama, Christian College and Mucheke sent their students to donate blood on the day.
