THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is currently experiencing critical blood supply shortages.
Silungile Mlambo, SANBS chief marketing officer, said Covid-19 restrictions have severely limited the Service’s ability to collect adequate blood stocks – particularly because staff are not able to access schools, colleges and corporate companies for blood drives.
“As a result, our blood stocks have dropped significantly. We are hoping, however, that donors who are due for donation are able to find the time to make a difference to the lives of others by donating blood.
“We are experiencing a high demand for blood from hospitals and are in dire need of blood donations across the country. Our Group O blood stocks have dropped significantly and we are appealing to all South Africans to donate a unit of blood in aid of those who need blood,” petitioned Mlambo.
Blood Group O is considered the universal blood group because anyone – regardless of blood type – can receive type O blood.
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SANBS aims to collect an average of 5 000 units of blood every day, nationally.
The non-profit organisation said the safety of donors and staff is of utmost importance and extensive precautionary measures have been taken.
All persons accessing donor clinics will be thoroughly screened.
Blood donation is still safe during this time and persons confirmed with Covid-19 infection or at risk will be deferred from donation as follows:
- Individuals who have travelled overseas will be deferred for 28 days from date of return from these countries.
- Individuals with a confirmed diagnosis with Covid-19 infection will be deferred for 28 days from the date of complete clearance of symptoms.
- Individuals who have had close contact with anyone with confirmed or probable Covid-19 infection will be deferred for 28 days from the last date of contact.
- Anyone exhibiting flu-symptoms on the day of donation will be deferred for seven days.
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“The current shortages pose a real danger to the healthcare systems in our country. There are many people who rely on these life-saving donations to remain healthy and to lead normal lives,” Mlambo, concluded.
Mlambo stressed that people are not at risk of contracting Covid-19 by donating blood or through blood transfusions.
To be eligible to donate blood, you need to:
- Be free of any cold and flu symptoms.
- Be between the ages of 16 and 75
- Weigh more than 50kg.
- Be in good health.
- Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient.
- Lead a healthy lifestyle.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
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