The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is urging eligible South Africans to donate blood as national stocks fall to 3.9 days’ cover, below its five-day target.

SANBS needs approximately 3 500 units of blood daily to meet patient demand, but current donations are not keeping pace with requirements.

Some regions below three days’ cover

The organisation warned that some regions are under even greater pressure, with stocks falling below three days’ cover.

The declining supply comes as the festive season approaches, a period when maintaining sufficient blood stocks remains essential.

Who needs blood?

Blood transfusions are needed daily for:

• Patients undergoing surgery
• Women experiencing childbirth complications
• Cancer patients
• Those requiring emergency treatment

Group O blood is particularly important in emergency situations, where there may not be enough time to establish a patient’s blood group before a transfusion is needed.

Every donation could help save lives

SANBS senior manager for donor relations, Monique Schreiner, said public support was needed to rebuild stocks ahead of the festive season.

She appealed to:

• Regular donors
• Those who had stopped donating
• Eligible first-time donors

She added that every donation could help save lives.

SANBS is encouraging donors not to postpone giving blood until later in the year.

How to donate

Those who would like to donate or find their nearest donor centre or mobile blood drive can contact SANBS on 0800 11 90 31 or visit www.sanbs.org.za.