SANBS host blood drive to increase blood stock
SANBS hosted a blood donation drive to reach out to donors who don’t have access to mobile drives.
Due to stocks of blood being low in the country, South African National Blood Service (SANBS), urged residents to donate at a drive in Waterfall.
Hirsch’s and Virgin Active partnered to host the blood drive on June 15.
According to donor relation practitioner Gladness Sathekge, stocks of blood would only last for 2.9 days nationally which is extremely lower than the five days of stock required in all blood groups to ensure sustainable blood availability for patients in need.
During the drive, SANBS aimed to reach 3 000 units of blood to ensure a safe and sufficient blood supply in the health care system. Sathekge said one unit could save three lives.
“Blood cannot be recreated scientifically, so we need a person who has a healthy lifestyle to give to the next person who might be in critical need of blood,” urged Sathekge.
Donor Junaid Moodley said he started donating blood eight years ago when his mother was involved in an accident, and they struggled to get a donor for her.
”Ever since I was of age and the right weight, I give blood so other people won’t go through the same thing,” said Moodley.
The blood service said blood group AB was the rarest blood type, and the most common was O, which could be given to patients of any blood group.
“We are hoping to get more blood donors and make a huge difference in people’s lives,” said donor care officer Rendani Nemakhavani.
Mpho Thole from Waterfall said she was a person who required blood and she visited the drive to let donors know that they were appreciated.
In conclusion, Sathekge urged corporates, schools, and churches to hold a blood drive at their premises.
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/321715/a-unit-of-blood-donation-can-save-up-to-three-lives/
