THERE is still a critical shortage of blood across the country. The situation in KwaZulu-Natal is particularly acute, with less than one day’s supply of blood available. The blood supply in the province is currently at 0.5 days of stock (129 units), compared with a healthy blood stock of 500 units.
Dennis Ngongoma, public relations practitioner at the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) urged residents to donate life-saving blood during the festive period which remains one of the toughest months for the service.
Last week, Durban North resident and regular donor, Bruno Watzek, made his 91st blood donation, a donation, Ngongoma said was priceless.
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“We rely on regular donors like Bruno but this is also an appeal to all residents– active donors, lapsed donors and potential donors – to go to their local donor centre and donate blood to bolster the national blood stocks. So many people in life-threatening situations require blood.
“It’s what saves a haemorrhaging mother’s life, so that she can raise and love the baby she has just brought into the world. It’s not just blood; it’s saving people’s lives, through a simple, easy donation,” he said.
- For more information about donating blood visit sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31 or visit the Durban North Blood Donor Clinic at Kensington Square (031 564 6070).
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