Towards equitable and sustainable availability of blood products in Zimbabwe : an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Blood transfusion can be a lifesaving intervention in a number of medical emergencies. To attain sustainable and equitable availability of blood products, it is important to understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges of the national blood services programme. We, therefore, with this letter to the editor, discuss some of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the Zimbabwean programme since its inception. Despite several strengths and opportunities that the national blood services of Zimbabwe (NBSZ) leverages on, we argue that among other challenges, donor shortages and an upsurge of transfusion transmittable infections in the eligible donor population continue to be the biggest threats to the achievement of the programme objectives. These can be addressed through expanding the blood donor base and the catchment area. Additionally, improving the level of knowledge and attitude towards blood donation in the communities is critical for driving the sustainable and equitable distribution of safe blood products to the population.