Mark World Blood Donor Day today by becoming a donor
Out of South Africa’s population of 56-million people, only about one per cent donate blood regularly.
THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) in encouraging South Africans to become regular blood donors on World Blood Donor Day on Friday, 14 June.
Every year, World Blood Donor Day highlights the need to maintain a stable supply of healthy, safe blood and blood products, while encouraging people to become regular donors. It is also an opportunity to thank the volunteers whose donations of blood save and enhance the lives who depend on blood transfusions.
Silungile Mlambo, the SANBS’s chief marketing officer said: “The best gift you can give anyone is the gift of life. We know that South Africans have huge hearts and we call on them to fully embrace the spirit of this year’s World Blood Donor Day theme, ‘Safe blood for all’.
You might also be interested in – Health Minister launches SA Human Rights Plan
“Out of South Africa’s population of 56-million people, only about one per cent donate blood regularly. This blood is used by every person living in this country who needs a transfusion during an operation or for emergencies during childbirth,” Mlambo said.
She said while the SANBS applauds its regular donors, more volunteers are needed to ensure the target of 3 500 units per day is maintained, she adds. “In particular, this Youth Month we are appealing to young, healthy South Africans to make donating blood a lifestyle choice.”
South Africans can visit their nearest blood donor centre on 14 June, while corporates, schools, universities and community organisations can do their bit by arranging blood drives blood drives.
For more from Northglen News follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram
