The Missing Type campaign: every drop counts
In South Africa, there is a particular need for new donors with O negative blood.
Photo supplied.
POLOKWANE – The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is uniting with blood donor organisations across 21 countries to highlight an almost 30% international drop in new blood donors compared to a decade ago.
The Missing Type campaign has been set up to reverse the decline in new donors not only across South Africa but across the world as well. In a survey done for the campaign, results showed that the number of people becoming donors and giving blood for the first time was over 1,8 million in 2005 whereas 2015 showed a 27,6% decline with only over 1,3 million donors.
In South Africa, there is a particular need for new donors with O negative blood. O negative blood can be transfused to anyone, so these donors are referred to as ‘universal donors’, however, all blood groups are required to ensure adequate stocks at all times.
Senior Marketing Manager for SANBS, Sillungile Mlambo says blood transfusion saves lives and increases the health and well-being of millions of people across the world but they are dependent on people donating blood.
“Whether it is patients receiving treatment for cancer, blood disorders, after accidents and during surgery, or new moms who lost blood during childbirth, blood plays an essential role in modern healthcare,” said Mlambo. SANBS hopes that South Africans will be inspired by the Missing Type campaign and start saving lives by donating blood.
“It’s incredibly easy and relatively painless to donate blood, by simply visiting one of our 86 donor sites, or 66 mobile teams across the country, you can help save a life,” said Mlambo.
SANBS says new, young donors are needed in South Africa as only 7% of new blood donors are people between the ages of 16 and 25.
The Missing Type campaign began on 16 August and all eligible blood donors are encouraged to donate.
