Blood stocks remain critically low, public urged to donate
KZN has a critically low supply of the O blood type which only covers 1.5 days.
WITH the current blood stock level sitting at a critically low position, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is appealing to South Africans to help save lives by donating blood.
SANBS regional marketing manager, Sifiso Khoza said the national blood supply is currently at just 2.4 days’ Group O stock, amounting to just over 2113 units of O blood available around the country, while in KZN the blood supply is on 1.5 days’ Group O.
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“The situation, simply, is critical. We need South Africans; active donors, lapsed donors and potential donors to come forward urgently to bolster the national blood stock,” said Khoza.
He said many people in life-threatening situations require blood.
“It is what saves that haemorrhaging mother’s life, so that she can raise and love the baby she has just brought into the world. It is what saves someone suffering complications during major surgery. It is what helps that cancer patient endure and survive treatment.”
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He added that donors save people’s lives through a simple, easy donation. The SANBS is therefore making an earnest appeal for South Africans to step forward and donate blood.
“The SANBS also appeals to South Africans to become regular donors. By donating blood only four times a year, we can easily avoid situations such as the one in which we find ourselves,” said Khoza.
The SANBS also appealed to the public to make venues available for blood drives. Suitable venues include spaces accessible and open to the public.
To find your nearest donor centre contact 0800 11 9031 or visit www.sanbs.org.za.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
