EVERY year the World Health Organisation (WHO) chooses a theme for World Blood Donor Month which takes place in June, with this year’s campaign being “Safe blood for saving mothers”.
The campaign will increase awareness about why timely access to safe blood and blood products is essential for all countries as part of a comprehensive approach to prevent maternal deaths.
Every day, about 800 women die from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications. Almost all of these deaths occur in developing countries. More than half of them occur in sub-Saharan Africa and almost one third in South Asia.
Severe bleeding during delivery and after childbirth is a major cause of mortality, morbidity and long-term disability.
“In line with Mother’s Day celebrations we’d like to encourage South Africans to donate blood to help mothers. Mother’s Day is a day for many people to show their appreciation towards mothers and mother figures. As of this morning KZN is on 1.0 day’s cover instead of the five days cover needed in order to be able to supply the hospitals. Let’s do it for the mothers and donate blood,” said Sifiso Khoza from SANBS.
Donate blood today at Musgrave Blood Donor Clinic in Pardy Gardens Road, off Musgrave Road. Contact 031 201 3668.
