The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is facing severe blood stock shortages.
Current weather conditions and a higher that usual demand for blood have sent blood stocks plummeting.
The SANBS needs to collect 3 500 units of blood a day, nationwide, and is urgently appealing to all potential and existing donors who are due to donate to visit a blood donation site.
“With little blood available on hand, this situation will have a severe impact on the patients who rely on life-saving blood transfusions,” said Thandi Mosupye, SANBS senior manager for marketing, communication and brand.
“Whenever our blood stocks reach a point of being below three days’ supply, it places the lives of patients at risk,” Mosupye explains.
“This includes the lives of haemorrhaging mothers, newborn babies, accident victims and thousands of other patients in need of a blood transfusion.”
To become a blood donor, someone must:
- be between the ages of 16 and 75 years;
- weigh 50 kg or more;
- be in good health;
- lead a healthy lifestyle;
- consider their blood safe for transfusion to a patient.
Potential donors can visit sanbs.org.za to find out where they can donate blood in the vicinity of the specific area they live in, or dial 0800-11-90-31.
Members of the public can also connect with the SANBS on Twitter (@theSANBS), Facebook (@SANBS) and Instagram (@thesanbs).
Don’t let South Africa run out of safe blood. Donate blood today.
