The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) urgently needs your help.
“Our blood stocks are extremely low, in particular Group O blood, the universal blood group that can be given to anyone in an emergency. The KZN stock level is only on 1.4 days and nationally we are on 2.4 days; whereas we need five days cover to be in a healthy situation,” said Charles Maharaj, head of marketing KZN SANBS.
“With winter upon us, traditionally this is a time when blood collection decreases due to people contracting the flu virus and being on medication such as antibiotics, which prevents them from donating blood. The shortages also comes about with regular schools and tertiary institutions which contribute to 45% of the blood collected being involved in mid-year examinations, followed by the winter holidays. Blood drives at these institutions are virtually impossible to host.”
The SANBS appeals to donors to make their way to one of the closest blood drives or donor centres. Unfortunately when the supply of blood drops, the demand does not decrease as some 3,000 units of blood is still needed by patients daily.
“Without the commitment from our regular donors throughout the year, meeting our collection target is virtually impossible. We are encouraging all regular donors and those who have made a conscious decision to join this cause of ‘saving lives’ to become a nation of doers and to ‘not let life get in the way of life.’
For more information on SANBS and where to donate, visit www.SANBS.org.za or call 0800-11-9031.
