SANBS #Iʳonstrong campaign seeks to boost iron intake
South African donors generally, and women from KZN in particular, have low iron levels in their blood.
The South African National Blood Services (SANBS) last week launched their new #Iʳonstrong campaign, in an attempt to boost iron intake among female donors.
Aimed at improving the health of South African donors, SANBS also hopes to increase the supply of high-quality blood to local medical facilities.
The pilot, which runs until 1 May 2019, will see SANBS offering blood donors in KZN a one-month free supply of ferrous sulphate tablets (each 200mg containing 65 mg elemental iron) following a whole blood donation.
South African donors generally, and women from KZN in particular, have low iron levels in their blood.
“While it has not yet been established why donors in KZN have lower haemoglobin levels, what we do know is that the oral administration of ferrous sulphate tablets can very quickly restore the bodies iron stores,” says Dr. Jackie Thomson, Medical Director at the SANBS.
Iron deficiency causes a myriad of health issues from extreme fatigue and exhaustion, frequent infections, pale skin, hair loss to unusual cravings like ice and starch.
A recent local study by the SANBS showed that women especially between the ages of 16 and 45 have a higher risk of decreased iron levels due to menstruation and the demands of pregnancy.
Furthermore, regular blood donations can also contribute to lower haemoglobin levels as iron is depleted when the body loses and replaces blood.
“Recovery and replacement of iron is key to ensure the health of the donor as well as the donated blood,” says Dr. Thomson.
The #Iʳonstrong campaign is in line with SANBS’ efforts to defer fewer female donors in KZN and elsewhere in the country. Lower iron levels are one of the most common reasons why individuals are often discouraged from donating blood.
“Our commitment to donor health and well-being is the primary driver of the campaign and provides SANBS a good platform to engage with the community and sensitise donors towards iron deficiency. The campaign also holds the potential to dramatically increase blood reserves while also improving the health of women,” adds Dr. Thomson.
Be the first to receive breaking news straight to your device with our newly launched push notifications! Simply visit our website and click on the icon shown above.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.
Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
