Nation’s blood supply is critically low, SANBS

THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) say that they have only 1,6 day’s stock of Group O bloodtype. This group is known as the universal bloodtype because it can be used by almost anyone. “That amounts to just over 1,500 units of O-blood available around the country,” said Silungile Mlambo, the national marketing manager for SANBS.

While the looming Easter weekend, with the unfortunate spike in road accidents that will put pressure on the national blood supply, Mlambo pointed out that incidents of trauma make up only a fraction of the demand for blood.

“While we need sufficient blood stock to cope with periods such as the Easter weekend, by far the greatest proportion of blood is required in other situations, such as in childbirth and for cancer patients,” he said. The SANBS is pleading with South Africans to donate blood and save a life.

“More than that, however, the SANBS 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,” added Mlambo.

To find out more about donating blood and to locate your nearest SANBS donor centre, visit sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31.