Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday saluted blood donors for their invaluable contribution which ensures the health sector is continuously able to provide the life saving liquid during medical procedures.

Commemorating World Blood Donor Day, which ran under the theme, “Safe blood saves life,” President Mnangagwa said government would ensure funds required to keep the national blood bank going are provided.

World Blood Donor Day is celebrated annually on June 14.

“We congratulate all blood donors for voluntary blood donation that has saved millions of lives in Zimbabwe. This has seen the regular blood donor population contributing over 60 percent of annual blood donations in the country,” he said.

“We salute all silent blood donor heroes in Zimbabwe.”

Government two years ago made access to blood for patients at public hospitals free of charge after the public had registered displeasure on the then prohibitive cost of acquiring the life saving liquid.

“Access to safe blood and blood products is essential for universal health coverage and is a key component of effective health systems,” President Mnangagwa said.

He said government would continue to invest in health systems in line with its Vision 2030 to deliver a world class infrastructure.

The National Blood Service Zimbabwe said recently it was facing challenges in importing critical consumables due to Covid-19 related international travel restrictions.

The lockdown, which limited citizens’ movement in a bid to contain the virus, had also disrupted blood collection efforts, the blood bank said.
New Ziana