Blood service urge people to donate blood on Human Rights Day
“This iconic day is a stark reminder of the cost that was paid for the human rights we enjoy today. “Health is a basic human right and yearly millions of South Africans receive a life-changing blood transfusion that is made
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) might face a blood collection crisis with the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus.
Mr Silungile Mlambo, spokesman for the SANBS, urged people who are healthy to donate blood.
“On Human Rights Day, we nationally observe and proclaim the rights we enjoy in our country,” said Mr Mlambo.
He asked people to donate blood on Saturday, 21 March to celebrate Human Rights Day.
“This iconic day is a stark reminder of the cost that was paid for the human rights we enjoy today.
“Health is a basic human right and yearly millions of South Africans receive a life-changing blood transfusion that is made possible by the selfless acts of our donors.
“Our mandate, as an organisation, is to save lives and ensure that every citizen has access to blood transfusions when they are in need.
“The SANBS supports the rights of every citizen and understands that access to affordable healthcare of the highest quality is as a basic human right.
“Under the theme the year of unity, socio-economic renewal and nation-building, we acknowledge the role that blood donors play in helping us to serve the greater South African community.”
The SANBS will continue to follow the guidelines set by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) to promote healthy personal hygiene practices at all their fixed and mobile donor centres.
Mr Mlambo said if donors are feeling unwell and have fever, are coughing, have a runny nose, sore throat or shortness of breath, they should wait to donate blood until they are well again.
Visit the SANBS branch in Secunda in Horwood Street or in Bethal near the Spar.
Contact the donor centre in Secunda at 017 631 1652.
