SANBS faces drought of its own: a lack of blood
Blood is needed to support those in need.
“Every time a blood donor visits the blood bank, they should try and bring someone with to donate blood,” says Stefné Pretorius.
She has donated 224 units thus far.
“We should take responsibility to help those in need,” she says.
Pretorius says water can be bought in shops, but not blood. Therefore, blood is needed to support those in need.
South African National Blood Services’ (SANBS) blood supply in South Africa is at just 1.5 days of group O stock.
According to Silungile Mlambo, national marketing manager for the SANBS, the stock equates to less than 2 000 units.
Donors are urgently needed.
“The blood stock is currently dangerously low.
“The situation is reaching a critical level.
“We appeal to all South Africans, active, lapsed and potential donors, to donate blood to bolster the national blood stock.”
Mlambo says blood is critical for cancer patients and women in childbirth, who constitute the two biggest groups of people requiring blood transfusions.
Many people in life-threatening situations require blood.
Blood saves a haemorrhaging mother’s life during childbirth.
It can also save someone who is suffering complications during major surgery.
“It’s what helps cancer patients endure and survive treatment,” he says.
“And that’s the point: it’s not just blood, but it is saving people’s lives, through a simple, easy donation,” says Mlambo.
To find out more about donating blood, visit the Springs Mall blood bank or call 011 362 2282.
