South African National Blood Service blood stock critically low
It is considered a crisis when blood stocks dip below two days of stock available.
Blood stock is critically low and the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) called on people to assist.
It appears that November is going to prove to be a testing month – not just for learners and students writing their matric and other end-of-year examinations, but also for the SANBS.
The shortage can be ascribed to the lack of blood drives SANBS can currently hold at schools and universities.
There is a critical shortage of blood across the country, with blood stocks at just 1.5 days of group O stock, equating to 1 473 units as of 1 November.
In KwaZulu-Natal the situation is particularly acute, with less than one day’s supply of blood available.
Blood supply in the province is currently at 0.7 days of stock (129 units), compared to a healthy stock for KZN of 500 units.
The Northern Zone only has 1.2 days of stock available and Gauteng only about 1.5 days.
Blood stocks in the Free State/Northern Cape and the Vaal are currently at 1.7 days.
It is considered a crisis when blood stocks dip below two days of stock available.
“Blood stock in the country is dangerously low,” Ms Silungile Mlambo, national marketing manager of the SANBS, said.
“The supply is currently at less than 1.5 group O stock, compared to a healthy blood stock of 3 000 units or five days’ supply.
“It has reached a critical level in KwaZulu-Natal and we appeal to all South Africans -active donors, lapsed donors and potential donors to go to their local donor centre and donate blood to bolster the national blood stock.”
Ms Mlambo also said blood is critical for cancer patients and women in childbirth, who constitute by far the greatest groups of people requiring blood transfusions.
“So many people in life-threatening situations require blood.
“Blood is fundamental in helping cancer patients endure and survive treatment.
“It’s what saves a haemorrhaging mother’s life, so that she can raise and love the baby she has just brought into the world.
“During a major surgery it’s what saves someone suffering complications.
“And that’s the point: it’s not just blood; it’s saving people’s lives through a simple, easy donation.”
The SANBS appealed to South Africans to donate blood immediately.
“More than that, however, we appeal to South Africans to become regular donors.
“By donating blood only four times a year, we can easily avoid situations such as the one in which we find ourselves.”
To find out more about donating blood and to locate your nearest SANBS donor centre, visit sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31.
Issued by the South African National Blood Service.
