The South African National Blood Service (Sanbs) has launched a #NoStereotypes campaign sparking conversation and awareness around discrimination based on stereotypes that serve to divide the population.
The commercial shares real-life examples of people who were stereotyped based on their weight, nationality, sexual orientation, race and other characteristics.
Speaking to the Gazette about the purpose of the campaign, Sanbs CEO Ravi Reddy said the commercial aimed to stimulate a discussion where blood donation was brought to the fore.
“While the campaign addresses stereotypes, it will also hopefully help South Africans realise the need to donate blood and the fact that anyone can save a life. This creates a sense of unity where there was division,” said Reddy.
He added that the country was currently running at critically low blood supply levels.
“We try and keep a five-day bloodstock, but as of 9am today [18 March], we are sitting with a supply for 2.6 days.”
Reddy said with hospitals going back to full capacity for elective procedures, the need for blood had increased.
While at the early stages of lockdown, Sanbs was collecting 75 per cent of the usual blood supply, they have ramped up to 93 per cent of that supply at present, however, this was still seven per cent short of where they needed to be.
Schools, universities and businesses where blood donation campaigns are usually run, were generally getting smaller numbers of donations which were impacting blood stocks.
“We have implemented significant precautions to ensure the safety of donors,” Reddy said, encouraging all who lead a low-risk lifestyle and meet the criteria to donate.
“Less than one per cent of the population actually gives blood. We encourage people to donate as an act of kindness that saves lives… You may not be able to afford to give to charity, but donating blood is a free act of kindness.”
Reddy especially encourages those with Group O and B blood to donate urgently.
Visit the following donor centres near you to donate:
- The Colony Donor Centre, 349 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall Park
- Fourways Donor Centre, 11 Sunset Avenue, Fourways, Shop G1-08, Forest Road Design and Décor.
Details: www.sanbs.org.za
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