KZN faces severe blood shortage, warns SANBS
Only 200 units of O blood is available around the province.
BLOOD donors are encouraged to visit the nearest SANBS branch urgently to donate the gift the life and help end the critical shortage of the life-saving liquid.
According to the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), blood supply in South Africa’s second-most populous province is at just 1.8 days of Group O stock.
The blood service is calling on donors and residents in the province to come forward to donate blood urgently, to stop cancer sufferers, people in life-threatening situations and anyone else who needs or relies on blood transfusions in KwaZulu-Natal from being at risk.
“The blood stock in KZN is dangerously low. The blood supply is currently at just 1.8 days Group O stock, amounting to less than 200 units of O blood available around the province,” said Silungile Mlambo, national marketing manager for the SANBS.
Also read: Nation’s blood supply is critically low, SANBS
“A healthy blood stock in the province is 500 units of O blood a day. The situation, simply, is critical. We are appealing to residents of KwaZulu-Natal – active donors, lapsed donors and potential donors – to stand together right now to bolster the regional blood stock, and we thank them, in advance, for pulling together.”
To find out more about donating blood and to locate your nearest SANBS donor centre in KwaZulu-Natal, visit sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31.
- Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter to keep up-to-date with local news or follow us on WhatsApp on 060 532 5532.
