Celebrate World Blood Donor Day today, June 14
This day gives the South African National Blood Service an opportunity to call on more people to take up the cause and become life-savers by volunteering to donate blood regularly.
World Blood Donor Day was established in 2004 to help raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products, and to thank blood donors for their contributions.
This event is celebrated on June 14 which marks the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, a scientist who won the Nobel Prize for the discovery of the ABO blood group system.
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The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) will be celebrating this special day, but under unique circumstances following the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Even amidst a pandemic, our annual observance has in no way lost its significance and importance,” said Sifiso Khoza, SANBS Regional Marketing Manager. “And with many people receiving coronavirus treatment in hospitals, the need for blood has not slowed down.”
World Blood Donor Day gives SANBS an opportunity to call on more people to take up the cause and become life-savers by volunteering to donate blood regularly.
“We work tirelessly each year to ensure that safe and affordable blood products are available to our fellow countrymen and we cannot negate the monumental role played by all our committed donors,” said SANBS Chief Marketing Officer, Silungile Mlambo. “We thank donors for their selfless acts, and so do the recipients of their blood.”
Blood collected by SANBS is used to treat cancer and aplastic anaemia, during childbirth, for scheduled surgery, for paediatric care, goes to laboratories, is used for orthopaedic care and for accident or trauma victims.
Celebrate World Blood Donor Day by becoming a donor or by simply raising awareness. To find out more about where you can donate blood, visit sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31.
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