Donate blood and save a life
Blood transfusion has been identified as one of the nine, key life-saving interventions for the management of pregnancy-related complications.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has dedicated the entire month of June to increase awareness regarding access to safe blood.
The initiative is part of the group’s approach to prevent maternal deaths.
Blood transfusion has been identified as one of the nine, key life-saving interventions for the management of pregnancy-related complications.
Ms Vanessa Raju, the SANBS communications manager said, “Childbirth and other gynaecological complications are among the highest demands for blood in South Africa.”
World Blood Donor Day is an annual event jointly sponsored by the World Health Organisation. Countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day on June 14.
The day raises awareness regarding safe and good quality blood, as well as blood products. It also aimed at honouring the many voluntary, unpaid blood donors.
Another purpose of the day is to create widespread awareness throughout the world about the need for more people to donate blood.
This year’s campaign, Safe Blood for Saving Mothers, is to develop a strategy highlighting the need for safe blood in the prevention of maternal deaths. Hundreds of women die from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications. Most of all these deaths occur in developing countries.
The SANBS encourages people to donate blood regularly to save lives of people in need of blood.
“Get involved. Give blood and participate in local events being organised to celebrate Blood Donor Month,” said Ms Raju.
For more information, visit www.SANBS.org.za or phone 0800 119 031.
@Modder_Journo
About the SANBS
SANBS is a non-profit organisation which
provides an essential service within South Africa. It is rated amongst the best
in the world in the provision of blood and blood products, as well as in relation
to the research and training provided. SANBS operates across all of South
Africa, with the exclusion of the Western Cape. SANBS is further regarded as a
major role player in the provision of support to countries in the SADC region.
