This winter appears to be a cold and bloodless one for the South African National Blood Services (SANBS), which is facing critical blood shortages. An urgent plea has been issued to help avoid a disastrous shortage.
The shortage lies particularly in blood group O, the universal blood group that can be given to anyone in an emergency. With stock levels at only 1,4 days provincially, and 2,4 days nationally, a crisis is in its midst.
According to Shavani Sewpaul, Public Relations Practitioner for SANBS, “The shortages have occurred as a result of the decrease of blood collections. This is due to the rapid spread of the flu during winter – when people contract the flu they may be on antibiotics, which prevents them donating.”
Shavani also explained that 45 percent of donors are found in either schools or tertiary institutions, and with the mid-year exams commencement they are unable to donate as blood drives at these institutions are virtually impossible to host during this period.
Hence the SANBS has made an urgent appeal to all donors to make their way to their closest blood drives or donor centres. They also appeal to regular donors to ‘come forth and save lives’.
‘Your blood saves lives: do not let life get in the way of life.’
