Locals encouraged to boost blood supply
JOBURG – Reddy said that between 3 000 and 3 500 units of blood need to be collected daily to meet demand across the country.
The South African Blood Service (SANBS) appeals to the public to donate blood and boost daily supply.
SANBS CEO Ravi Reddy said the service is currently below the five-day supply recommended by the World Health Organisation. Reddy said that between 3 000 and 3 500 units of blood need to be collected daily to meet demand across the country.
He said that while fewer elective surgeries took place over the festive season, all other required blood transfusions continued over this period. “During the holiday period, we did not have access to schools, universities and many corporates which traditionally make up a large proportion of the sites where regular blood donors donate. This caused a decrease in blood donations while the request for blood in hospitals continued,” said Reddy.
SANBS said that blood donations have been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic over the last two years with lockdowns limiting access to regular blood drive venues. “We are appealing to South Africans to please donate at the ongoing blood drives around the country in our fixed donor centres and shopping malls to give people enough opportunity to give the much-needed blood.”
Reddy assured donors that Covid-19 protocols continue to be followed to ensure the safety of all donors and SANBS staff. Vaccinated and unvaccinated donors will be allowed as their vaccine status has no impact on the donated blood. Donors must meet the following requirements:
- Be between the ages of 16 and 75
- Weigh over 50kgs
- Be in good health
- Lead a healthy lifestyle
- Consider your blood safe for a transfusion to a patient.
Local residents can donate blood at the donor centre at the Colony Shopping Centre, 345 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall Park. Call 011 767 9880 for more information.
