With national blood stock levels currently below the required threshold, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is urging communities to start the new year by donating blood.

The senior manager of Marketing, Communication and Brand of the SANBS, Thandi Mosupye, thanked donors for their continued support, saying their generosity plays a vital role in saving lives. However, she noted a familiar post-festive decline in blood collections.

“While this dip is expected after the festive season, rebuilding healthy blood stock levels early in the year is essential to ensure patients continue receiving the blood products they rely on,” she said.

She added that for many patients, the year begins not with celebration, but with hope – hope that their treatments will work and that blood will reach them in time.

“Behind these blood stock levels are real people – mothers, fathers, siblings and children receiving treatment in hospitals every day. Their recovery, and in some cases survival, depends on the continued availability of donated blood,” she emphasised.

Mosupye explained that blood stocks drop due to holiday travel, fewer workplace and campus blood drives, disrupted donor routines and sustained medical demand during the festive season, including emergencies, childbirth and chronic care.

She encouraged donors with O and B blood groups who are eligible to donate, as these groups are especially important. O-negative blood is the universal type used in emergencies, while B blood helps maintain balanced supplies for specific patient needs. However, she stressed that all blood groups are needed.

“January is a challenging month for blood collections, but it is also an opportunity. If donors – particularly those with O and B blood groups – visit donor centres early in the year, we can stabilise the national blood supply and ensure uninterrupted patient care.”

SANBS invites all eligible donors to donate at their nearest donor centre or mobile drive. A single donation takes only minutes and can save up to three lives.

To donate, individuals must:

• Be between 16 and 75 years old
• Weigh at least 50kg (55kg for platelet donations)
• Be in good health and lead a low-risk lifestyle
• Have eaten within four hours before donating
• Have waited at least 56 days since their last whole blood donation, or 14 days for platelets or plasma

SANBS aims to collect 3 500 units of blood daily, as donated blood has a shelf life of just 42 days. Regular donations are essential to maintaining a safe and sufficient supply for South Africa’s healthcare system.

For more information or to find a donor centre, contact SANBS on 0800 11 9031 or visit their website.