Zimbabwe Faces Critical Blood Shortage as NBSZ Calls for Urgent Donations

14 January 2026

By Colleta Bell

Zimbabwe is facing a critical blood shortage, with national reserves now only enough to last two days, according to the National Blood Service of Zimbabwe.

The shortage is being driven by increased demand from road traffic accidents, surgical procedures, and maternity cases. NBSZ says at least 450 blood donors are needed every day to keep supplies at safe levels.

Speaking to SkyzMetro FM, NBSZ Blood Supply Executive Menard Mutenherwa said the situation is worsened during school holidays, when regular student donors are not available. For 2026, the service is targeting nearly 100-thousand units of blood nationwide.

To boost supplies, NBSZ has scheduled a major blood donation drive on the 17th of January at C Junction, Redan Service Station in Chitungwiza, where donors will receive small tokens of appreciation.

Zimbabweans aged 16 and above, weighing at least 50 kilograms, and living a low-risk lifestyle are encouraged to donate.

NBSZ is urging the public to donate blood regularly and help save lives.

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