SANBS anticipates critical blood shortages

As the winter chill starts to intensify, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is anticipating critical blood supply shortages.

Silungile Mlambo, chief marketing officer at SANBS said the service anticipates added pressure on the blood supply due to the cold temperatures and the added effects of the Covid-19 outbreak.

“The safety of donors, staff and overall South African community are of utmost importance to the SANBS and extensive precautionary measures have been taken to ensure donor safety. All persons accessing donor clinics are thoroughly screened and anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms or symptoms of infections is advised to delay donation until they are well,” he explained.

Blood donation is still safe during this time Mlambo stressed.

“The imminent shortages pose a real danger to the healthcare systems in our country. We urge those who are able to, to come out and help us avoid potential blood shortages over the next few months and help those in need.

“Your blood saves lives. It is important to note that individuals are not at risk of contracting Covid-19 through the blood donation process, or via a blood transfusion since respiratory viruses are generally not known to be transmittable by donation or transfusion,” he said.

Visit www.sanbs.org.za or contact 0800 11 9031 to find out where you can donate blood in your area.

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