With blood stock levels at just 2,2 days’ supply, the SANBS is calling on all current and potential donors to help replenish the supply.
This clarion call for donation follows months of chronic blood shortages.
To ensure sufficient supply to all patients, the blood stock level needs to be at five days’ supply.
According to Dr Karin van den Berg, medical director for the SANBS, the national health system is in danger of being crippled by blood shortages.
“We have seen a decline in donations, and this immediately puts thousands of lives at risk for as long as we cannot meet the demand from hospitals,” she said.
This shortage may lead to the cancellation of some elective surgeries and non-emergency procedures, as well as the restriction of the supply of blood products to patients with chronic illnesses.
“Maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply is critical for the nation’s health-care delivery and imperative to allow the medical community to continue to save lives,” she said.
To ensure sustainability and save lives, the SANBS aims to collect 3 000 units of blood per day.
As blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets, every unit of blood can save a minimum of three lives. Because a unit of blood only lasts 42 days after donation, however, it is important for blood donors to donate regularly. Donors can give blood as often as every eight weeks.
Anyone who meets the basic criteria can donate, regardless of vaccination status.
Yet less than 1% of South Africans are active blood donors, according to Van den Berg.
“We appeal to South Africans to donate at any of the blood donation sites running throughout the week,” she said.
“Having enough blood tomorrow won’t help anyone today. We rely on the public’s ongoing support and commitment not only to donate blood, but to host blood drives where they can.”
To become a blood donor, people must:
- be between the ages of 16 and 75 years;
- weigh 50 kg or more;
- be in good health;
- lead a healthy lifestyle; and
- consider their blood safe for transfusion to a patient.
People can visit the website sanbs.org.za or dial 0800-119-031 to find their closest donation centre. Those interested in becoming donors can connect with the SANBS on Twitter (@theSANBS), Facebook (@SANBS), and Instagram (@thesanbs).
The SANBS follows strict Covid-19 protocols for the safety of all donors and staff.
