Donate blood this World Blood Donor Day
Out of South Africa’s population of 56 million people, only about one per cent donate blood regularly.
“It really is an awesome thing to do,” says blood recipient Bonolo Mashilo.
As she has anemia she received blood on May 22.
Thanks to South Africa’s dedicated pool of blood donors, Bonolo was able to get the blood she needed to survive.
Bonolo, and thousands of others with life-threatening conditions, join the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) in encouraging South Africans to become regular blood donors on World Blood Donor Day today, June 14.
Every year, World Blood Donor Day highlights the need to maintain a stable supply of healthy, safe blood and blood products, while encouraging people to become regular donors.
It’s also an opportunity to thank the volunteers whose donations of blood save and enhance the lives of people like Bonolo.
Silungile Mlambo, the SANBS’s chief marketing officer said, “The best gift you can give anyone is the gift of life.
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“We know that South Africans have huge hearts and we call on them to fully embrace the spirit of this year’s World Blood Donor Day theme, ‘Safe blood for all’.
“Out of South Africa’s population of 56 million people, only about one per cent donate blood regularly.
This blood is used by every person living in this country who needs a transfusion during an operation or for emergencies during childbirth,” Mlambo said.
She added that SANBS applauds its regular donors, who ensure the target of 3 500 units per day is maintained.
“This Youth Month we are appealing to young, healthy South Africans to make donating blood a lifestyle choice.”
As for Bonolo, she wants to thank every blood donor who made it possible for her to live.
Blood donations go way beyond just the person who receives the blood.
It’s not just blood, it’s keeping families together.
Visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31 to find out where you can donate blood on World Blood Donor Day.
• This is where your blood goes:
There is a common misconception that most of the blood donated in South Africa goes to accident victims.
This is not the case.
Here is a rough breakdown from the SANBS of where the blood it collects is used:
• 28 per cent is used to treat cancer and aplastic anaemia.
• 27 per cent is used during childbirth.
• 21 per cent is used for scheduled surgery.
• 10 per cent is used for paediatric care.
• 6 per cent goes to laboratories.
• 6 per cent is used for orthopaedic care.
• 4 per cent is used for accident or trauma victims.
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