Blood stock at South African National Blood Service critically low
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.
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 South African National Blood Service (SANBS), which is experiencing a critical shortage of blood because of the lack of blood drives it can 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.
The situation in KwaZulu-Natal is particularly acute, with less than one day’s supply of blood available.
The 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.
“The 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.
“The situation 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.
“It’s what helps 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.
“It’s what saves someone suffering complications during major surgery.
“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.
