Blood supplies reach critical low
The Easter long weekend will put additional pressure on the national blood supply.
BLOOD supplies have reached a critical low says Silungile Mlambo, national market manager for the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), with only 1.6 day supply of O blood type in stock.
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“We need South Africans – active donors, lapsed donors and potential donors – to stand together right now to bolster the national blood stock,” said Mlambo.
It is feared the looming Easter long weekend, when many South Africans drive long distances and road accidents increase, will put additional pressure on blood supplies across the country. However, Mlambo pointed out that incidents of trauma made up only a fraction of the demand for blood.
“While we need sufficient blood stock to cope with periods such as the Easter weekend, by far the greatest proportion of blood is required in other situations, such as in childbirth and for cancer patients. And that’s the point: it’s not just blood. It’s saving people’s lives, through a simple, easy donation,” she said.
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.
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