An alarming 3 000 units of blood are needed daily by the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) to sustain the ever-rising demand for blood in South African hospitals.
With that in mind the SANBS is encouraging South Africans nationwide to spread the spirit of Ubuntu and donate blood for this worthy cause
With a few simple requirements donation of blood can be as simple as one, two, three.
The requirements for those wishing to donate are:
* Must be between the ages of 16 and 65.
* Weigh more than 50kgs.
* Be in good health.
* Live a sexually safe lifestyle.
However, on a lighter and more positive note, statistics reveal a great improvement in the number of donors – with 67 000 donors attending fixed and mobile drives the improvement is positively verified. According to Vanessa Raju from SANBS, “Blood collections are typically low during holiday seasons; however, the past holidays were more stable and show a sizable improvement, and for this we extend immense pride and gratitude to everyone who did their best to ensure critical shortages were avoided.”
The year has gotten off to a positive start, and with that the South African National Blood Service would like to extend their heartiest thanks to all the good Samaritans that donated blood and rendered the gift of life to many, and further encouraged more people to donate.
For further information or if you are interested in making a vital donation please contact Shavani Sewpaul, Public Relations Practitioner for SANBS, Newcastle on 034 326 1296 or 082 870 3446.