An enduring battle to provide life-saving blood

The national observation and proclamation of the rights we enjoy in our country are once again celebrated on this year’s Human Rights Day.

This year’s celebration coincides with the 25th anniversary of our nation’s adoption of the Constitution which prescribes an improvement in the quality of life for all citizens.

It is the South African National Blood Service’s (SANBS) undertaking to play its part in delivering on this mission.

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Health is a basic human right. Every year, many South Africans receive a life-saving blood transfusion that is made possible by the selfless acts of our donors.

“We are driven by our heartfelt calling to save lives and ensure that every citizen has access to safe blood when they need it.

SANBS supports the rights of every citizen to have access to affordable healthcare of the highest quality – as is their basic human right,” said SANBS executive transfusion donor services and marketing, Siemi Prithvi Raj.

With new changes having been made to the SANBS Covid-19 donor deferral measures, donors are urged to take advantage of the eased regulations to visit their nearest donor centres and not only donate a unit of blood, but also commit to a regular donation.

These new measures include the following:
• Asymptomatic donors can donate blood, including healthcare workers.
• The deferral period for direct contact with symptoms of infection changes from 14 to seven days, from the date of complete clearance of symptoms.
• The deferral period for individuals who have travelled overseas is reduced from 14 to 10 days.
• Individuals with confirmed cases of Covid-19 infection will be deferred for seven days from the date of complete clearance of symptoms.
• Asymptomatic individuals with confirmed cases of Covid-19 infection will be deferred for seven days from the date of the positive Covid-19 test.

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