World Blood Donor Day highlights need for regular blood donors
JOBURG – World Blood Donor Day encourages people to regularly donate blood to help save those in need.
The South African National Blood Service celebrated World Blood Donor Day by encouraging people from all walks of life to donate blood.
The day, which is commemorated annually on 14 June, encourages people to become regular blood donors. 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.
Blood recipient Bonolo Mashilo, said, “It really is an awesome thing to do.” She received blood on 22 May due to anaemia. Thanks to South Africa’s dedicated pool of blood donors, Mashilo was able to get the blood she needed to survive.
Thousands of other people like Mashilo have life-threatening conditions and regular blood donors can save and improve their lives.
Silungile Mlambo, the chief marketing officer for the blood service 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’.
“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 added.
The blood service applauds its regular donors, who ensure the target of 3 500 units per day is maintained. Mlambo added, “This youth month we are appealing to young, healthy South Africans to make donating blood a lifestyle choice.”
There is a common misconception that most of the blood donated in South Africa goes to accident victims. However, this is is not the case as, in general, the majority of blood is used to treat cancer and aplastic anaemia, during childbirth and for scheduled surgery, among others.
Visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31 to find out where you can donate blood.
Did you donate blood on World Blood Donor Day? Share your experience on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page
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