Critical shortage of blood
A critical shortage of blood has prompted the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) to urge people to visit their local blood centres to donate blood.
According to SANBS’ Mpho Letlatsa, the school holidays have resulted in fewer people donating blood.
“Almost 40 per cent of the blood we collect comes from schools and universities and, due to the holidays, we are unable to hold these blood drives.
“This, together with many people who also went on holiday, had a great impact on blood collection, placing SANBS under immense pressure to collect blood,’ said Letlatsa.
She said that the blood stock at a national level is currently 1.5 days.
“SANBS needs to maintain a stock level of five days, at all times, by collecting 3 000 units of blood per day, to meet the demand of the thousands of patients who are reliant on blood transfusions for their survival,” said Vanessa Raju, communication manager of SANBS.
SANBS is appealing to regular donors to not miss out on their next donation date.
They are also encouraging members of the public, who meet the minimum requirements, to become blood donors
In order to become a blood donor you must:
• Weigh at least 50kg
• Be between the ages of 16-65
• Lead a safe sexual lifestyle
For more information contact Letlatsa on 011 897 4906 or send her an email at Mpho.Letlatsa@sanbs.org.za.
