More plasma needed to protect rabies exposed patients
The SANBS urged residents who have been vaccinated against rabies to donate plasma to alleviate the shortage.
SOUTH Africa has a critical shortage of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) – the key ingredient in the prevention of the disease. RIG is produced from plasma collected from hyperimmune donors – the term used to describe donors who have been vaccinated against rabies.
South Africa needs around 295 plasma donors who donate at least 12 times a year to meet demand, but currently there are only between 280 and 320 donors who donate around seven times a year.
That led to the SANBS collecting only 1 450 litres of plasma last year, significantly less than the 2 300 litres required.
The shortage of hyperimmune donors forces the National Bioproducts Institute (NBI) to import hyperimmune plasma at great cost.
Silungile Mlambo, national marketing manager for the SANBS, urged South Africans who have been vaccinated against rabies to donate plasma to alleviate the shortage and ensure that vital health resources are readily available in South Africa.
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The National Institute for Communicable Diseases estimates that there are, on average, about 10 confirmed cases of rabies in South Africa each year. But there are often outbreaks, most recently in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal two weeks ago and in Gauteng last year.
Even if you have not been vaccinated against rabies you can still become a hyperimmune donor. SANBS will provide the necessary vaccinations to build up your antibodies to the required levels.
“We appeal to South Africans who have been vaccinated against rabies to donate their plasma. The more hyperimmune plasma donors we have the more plasma we can provide to the NBI, which manufactures RIG, among other essential plasma-derived medicine.”
Plasma donors can donate every two weeks and it takes about 45 minutes to donate.
To find out more about donating plasma and to locate your nearest SANBS plasma donor centre, visit sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31.
Read also: Glen Anil donor makes 725th donation
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