As the new year begins, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is raising awareness about a familiar seasonal pattern, a dip in national blood collections during and immediately after the festive season.

Rebuilding healthy stock levels early in the year is essential to ensure the continuous availability of blood products for patients who depend on them.

While many households return to normal rhythm, thousands of patients across the country begin 2026 with a very different hope.

Their new year is not defined by goals or celebration, but by the quiet wish for strength to return, for treatments to work, and for the simple, life-giving gift of blood to reach them in time.

Behind current blood stock levels are real people; mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and children- receiving treatment in hospitals every day.

Their recovery, and in some cases survival, depends on the continued availability of donated blood.

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Why blood stocks drop in January?

There are several factors contributing to blood stocks dropping in January, and largely impacting on SANBS’ reliance on organised blood drives, such as:

• Holiday travel and movement
Donors are often away from their regular donation centres during December, leading to fewer
visits.

• Limited workplace and campus drives
Workplaces, schools and universities and key collection points close or operate on reduced hours.

• Meeting demand during the festive period with reduced donations
Emergency medical care, childbirth and the ongoing treatment of chronic conditions continue year-round, placing sustained pressure on available blood supplies.

• Disrupted donor routines
Year-end events, travel and family commitments can cause regular donors to miss their usual donation schedule, creating a visible gap in blood collections by January.

SANBS is encouraging O and B blood group donors who are due for donation to donate, as these groups contribute significantly to the stability of the national blood supply:

• O negative is the universal blood type used in emergencies.

• Group B contributes significantly to maintaining balanced stock for specific patient groups.

However, SANBS emphasises that all blood groups are welcome and needed.

“We appreciate every South African who donates blood, and we want to start the year by saying thank you,” said

Thandi Mosupye, senior manager: marketing, communication and brand at SANBS.

“January is a challenging month for collections, but it is also an opportunity. If donors, especially those with O and B blood groups, visit a donor centre early in the year, we can stabilise the national blood supply quickly and ensure hospitals continue caring for patients without interruption.

“We encourage all eligible donors to make time to give the gift of life.”

SANBS invites all eligible donors to donate blood at their nearest donor centre or at a mobile drive. A single donation takes only minutes and can save up to three lives to support patients in
need.

“Whether you are an O, A, B or AB donor, your contribution matters, and we welcome you,” Mosupye added.

Who can donate?

• First-time donors must be between 16 and 75 years old.
• Donors must weigh at least 50 kg (55 kg for platelet donations).
• Donors should be in good health, lead a low-risk lifestyle, and consider their blood safe for
transfusion.
• Donors should have eaten within four hours before donating.
• Whole blood may not have been donated in the last 56 days, or platelets/plasma in the
last 14 days.

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