SANBS calls for urgent blood donations as stocks decline – Here’s what you need to know

As South Africa heads into the winter season, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) and the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) made urgent calls for blood donations.

This comes after the Easter long weekend, when many South Africans travelled long distances, increasing the risk of emergencies and placing additional pressure on hospital resources.

WCBS Marketing and Public Relations Manager Marike Carli also warned of declining blood stocks during cold-weather periods.

Stock levels under pressure

According to the SANBS, donated blood plays a critical role in emergency surgeries, childbirth complications and cancer treatment.

“Both blood services anticipate blood stock shortages leading up to the winter months.

“Blood stock levels tend to decline during the Easter period, as well as school holidays, as donors make their way to their holiday destinations and blood donation might then not always be top priority,” Carli said.

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Here’s what you need to become a blood donor

SANBS has outlined who qualifies to donate blood and how to prepare for it.

To become a donor you must:

• Be 16 years or older and weigh at least 50kg;
• Provide valid identification such as a birth certificate, ID or passport;
• Be in good health and ready to help save lives;
• Have eaten and had enough fluids two to four hours before donating.

“Blood is not something that can be manufactured. We rely on the generosity of donors to ensure that when someone needs it, it’s available,” the organisation said.

To address growing demand, SANBS and WCBS recently launched a nationwide drive to recruit 800 first-time donors – a target they successfully reached.

The initiative helped restock supplies and raised awareness about the life-saving impact of regular donations.

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Donor to recipient

For Thembeka Madlala from Pietermaritzburg, donating blood has a deeply personal meaning.

“When I started donating blood in 2013, it was honestly just for the biscuits. But then I learned about the impact of blood donations, especially my blood type AB+, which is particularly helpful for people with cancer,” she said.

In 2017, Madlala experienced an ectopic pregnancy and required an emergency blood transfusion.

“I needed four pints of blood, [and] it saved my life. That experience made me realise just how powerful and life-saving a donation can be. Since then, I have not stopped donating,” she said.

She encouraged South Africans to act now. “The blood you donate might save the life of someone you love. Let us commit to being regular donors. Your blood is a national treasure.”

To find your nearest donor centre or mobile clinic, visit the SANBS or WCBS websites, or call SANBS toll-free at 0800 11 90 31.

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