The Morogoro Regional Police Force has joined efforts to address blood shortages by donating blood in a community initiative aimed at strengthening supplies at blood banks and supporting patients requiring transfusion services.
The exercise, organised by the Police Community Unit, was held at the former daladala bus stand in Morogoro Municipality, bringing together police officers and members of the public who voluntarily donated blood.
Morogoro District Police Commander (DPC) SSP Osca Ngumbulu said the participation of police officers demonstrated the force’s commitment to working with communities and supporting initiatives that directly benefit citizens.
He encouraged more residents to take part in blood donation campaigns, noting that adequate blood supplies are essential in responding to medical emergencies and saving lives.
“Blood donation is a responsibility that requires collective participation. We encourage citizens to support these initiatives whenever they are organised because the blood collected helps patients in critical need,” SSP Ngumbulu said.
Morogoro District Police Community Commander SP Richard Mkesi said the exercise was part of community outreach activities ahead of Police Community Day celebrations.
He said the initiative reflected the role of the Police Community Unit in building stronger relations between law enforcement officers and citizens through activities that address social needs.
“Community policing is not only about preventing crime but also about working together with citizens to solve challenges affecting society,” SP Mkesi said.
He urged residents to continue cooperating with the police by providing information on criminal activities and supporting efforts to maintain peace and security in their areas.
Laboratory specialist Bensonatus Henerco commended the police for participating in the blood donation exercise, saying the contribution would help patients including accident victims, pregnant women and people suffering from illnesses requiring blood transfusion.
He called on other public institutions, security organs and private organisations to support similar initiatives, saying collective efforts are important in ensuring hospitals have reliable blood supplies.
Some residents and transport sector workers, including Denis Harun, Nassoro Ndege and Khamis Mkumbi, encouraged citizens to make blood donation a regular practice.
They said donating blood is a simple way of supporting patients in need while also enabling donors to receive basic health checks conducted before the donation process.
The initiative highlights the growing role of community partnerships in supporting Tanzania’s healthcare system and ensuring life-saving services remain accessible to those who need them most.
