It benefits patients and blood donors in a number of ways - previously a patient would receive six units of platelets from different donors but with the apheresis machine you can produce a single donor platelet unit. Additionally, only the blood component required is harvested with the other components returned to the donor. The procedure is also used clinically to treat chronic conditions and particularly for the successful treatment of cerebral malaria. All units of blood are screened. There is one national organisation that co-ordinates the blood programme and that has the full support of the local authority, in this case, our Ministry of Health and Child Welfare.
All blood donation is voluntary in Zimbabwe.
People from ages 16 to 65 can give blood. If you feel you need to give blood after 65 years of age, you can make an appointment with the Medical Director at the Harare office. Once passing certain tests, you may continue giving blood. This is in the interest of the donor as the NBTS is interested in the health of the recipients of blood. All blood donors are screened through a one to one interview by nurses to exclude getting blood from donors at risk.