South African National Blood Service urges South Africans to start the year by donating blood
With blood stocks below optimal levels following the festive season, the SANBS is calling on donors to help stabilise supplies and ensure patients across the country receive the life-saving blood they need.
As South Africans ease back into their routines after the festive season, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has issued an urgent call for blood donations, warning that national blood stocks are currently below optimal levels.
SANBS has thanked donors for their continued generosity, noting that consistent donations throughout the year help save thousands of lives. However, the organisation says January is traditionally one of its most challenging months, as blood collections tend to drop during and immediately after the holiday period.
Read more: How to donate blood and save lives
While many people are focused on new beginnings, for patients in hospitals across the country the new year brings a different kind of hope. For them, recovery depends on access to blood for emergency care, childbirth, surgeries, and the ongoing treatment of chronic conditions.
“Behind every unit of blood is a real person,” SANBS said. “Mothers, fathers, siblings, and children rely on donated blood every single day. Their survival often depends on whether blood is available when it’s needed.”
According to SANBS, several factors contribute to the January decline in blood stocks. Many regular donors travel during December and are away from their usual donation centres, and workplace, school, and university blood drives, which are key collection points, are often closed or operating at reduced capacity.
At the same time, hospitals continue to experience high demand over the festive season, placing pressure on already limited supplies.
Disrupted routines and year-end commitments also mean donors may miss scheduled donations, creating noticeable gaps by January. SANBS is particularly encouraging donors with O and B blood groups to donate, as these groups play a critical role in maintaining stable blood supplies.
O negative blood is used in emergencies as it is the universal blood type, while group B blood is essential for meeting the needs of specific patient groups. That said, SANBS stresses that all blood groups are needed and welcomed.
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“We appreciate every South African who donates blood, and we want to start the year by saying thank you,” said Thandi Mosupye, senior manager: marketing, communication, and brand at SANBS.
“January is a challenging month for collections, but it’s also an opportunity. If donors, especially those with O and B blood groups, visit donor centres early in the year, we can stabilise the national blood supply quickly and ensure hospitals continue caring for patients without interruption.”
SANBS is calling on all eligible donors to visit their nearest donor centre or mobile blood drive. A single donation takes only a few minutes and can save up to three lives. “Whether you are an O, A, B, or AB donor, your contribution matters. We welcome you,” Mosupye added.
Who can donate blood?
First-time donors must be between 16 and 75 years old and weigh at least 50kg (55kg for platelet donations).
Donors should be in good health, lead a low-risk lifestyles, and have eaten within four hours before donating. Whole blood donations must be spaced at least 56 days apart, while platelet or plasma donations require a 14-day interval.
For more information, or to find a donor centre near you, contact the SANBS call centre on 0800 11 9031 or visit the SANBS website.
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