During the last week blood stocks have, for the first time in many months, dropped below the ideal level of five days’ cover. The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) said this was due to the holiday and associated decrease in blood donations.
SANBS has appealed to the public and current blood donors to make it their resolution to donate blood, and help ensure another year of sufficient blood products.
“3 500 donations are required daily to meet the demand of patients. Each blood donation can save up to three lives,” said SANBS Donor Relations Practitioner, Shavani Sewpaul.
She said it was due to the loyalty of regular blood donors and the increasing number of South Africans who have started donating that 2019 was a successful year for SANBS.
“Blood stock levels were adequate throughout the year and well over a million blood products were issued to patients requiring blood transfusions. SANBS wishes to thank all blood donors for their support during 2019.”
The blood service said it could only continue saving lives with the help of regular and committed blood donors. Visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 9031 to find out where you can donate blood. You can also follow SANBS on social media: Twitter – @theSANBS, Facebook – @SANBS and Instagram – @thesanbs.
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