Country’s bloodstocks reach ‘critical’ level

This is due to the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) being limited in holding blood drives at schools and universities due to the examination period.

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“There is a critical shortage of blood across the country, with bloodstocks at just 1.5 days of group O stock, equating to 1 473 units as of November 1,” said Silungile Mlambo, national marketing manager for the SANBS.

It is considered a crisis when bloodstocks dip below two days of stock available.

“The situation has, in fact, reached a critical level in KwaZulu-Natal and we appeal to all South Africans – active donors, lapsed donors and potential donors – to go to their local donor centre and donate blood to bolster the national bloodstock,” Mlambo added.

Mlambo said blood is critical for cancer patients and women in childbirth – who constitute by far the greatest groups of people requiring blood transfusions.

“So many people in life-threatening situations require blood,” he said.

“It’s what saves a haemorrhaging mother’s life so that she can raise and love the baby she has just brought into the world.

“It’s what saves someone suffering complications during major surgery.

“It’s what helps cancer patients endure and survive treatment.

“And that’s the point: it’s not just blood; it’s saving people’s lives through a simple, easy donation.”

The SANBS appeals to South Africans to donate blood immediately.

“More than that, however, we appeal to South Africans to become regular donors,” Mlambo added.

“By donating blood only four times a year, we can easily avoid situations such as the one in which we find ourselves.”

To find out more about donating blood and to locate your nearest SANBS donor centre, visit sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31.

Blood can be donated at the Benoni Blood Donor Centre in Northmead which is on the corner of 14th Avenue and Aerodrome Drive.

Minimum requirements to become a blood donor are:

• Be between the age of 16 and 65 years.

• Weigh more than 50kg.

• Be in good health.

• Live a sexually safe lifestyle.

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