South Africans are given the chance to help their fellow citizens on World Blood Donor Day on 14 June as the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) encourages them to donate blood.
This year’s World Blood Donor Day theme is, ‘Be there for someone else. Give blood. Share life’. This theme emphasises blood donations as an act of unity with fellow human beings, highlighting the important values of empathy and kindness that reinforce the selfless act of blood donation, according to the World Health Organisation.
Chief marketing officer of SANBS, Silungile Mlambo 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.”
She said that 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 the country who needs a transfusion during an operation or after being involved in an accident.
While the SANBS applauds its regular donors, more volunteers are needed to ensure the target of 3 300 units per day is maintained. Mlambo added. “In particular, this Youth Month we are appealing to young, healthy South Africans to make donating blood a lifestyle choice. It’s your chance to put the president’s Thuma Mina (send me) rallying call into action.”
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.
Visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31 to find out where you can donate blood on World Blood Donor Day.
There is a common misperception that most of the blood donated in South Africa goes to accident victims. This is not the case.
Here is a rough breakdown from the SANBS as to how the blood is used:
- 26 per cent is used for general medical treatment
- 24 per cent is used during childbirth
- 20 per cent is used for scheduled surgery
- 10 per cent is used for paediatric care
- 10 per cent goes to laboratories
- 6 per cent is used for orthopaedic care
- 4 per cent is used for accident or trauma victims.
Let us know why you will be donating blood this year on the Rosebank Killarney Gazette Facebook page.
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