SANBS BATTLES STRAINED BLOOD STOCKS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                             3 FEBRUARY 2023

The state of the nation’s blood stocks is significantly low and the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) urgently calls on South Africans to give blood to help meet the heightened demand.

“We are experiencing a high demand for blood from hospitals across the country. The nation’s blood stocks are strained, necessitating our appeal for increased donations in aid of those who may need transfusions during this period,” says Thandi Mosupye, SANBS Senior Manager: Marketing, Communication and Brand.

Blood stocks have lingered below three days over a prolonged period. To avoid reaching critically low levels, SANBS needs South Africans – active donors, lapsed donors and potential donors – to bolster the national blood stocks. SANBS runs blood drives across the country throughout the week. 

“We commend the donors who remain steadfast in their commitment to saving lives. Right now, we need all the help we can get – from current and potential donors. Blood group O and B individuals can make the biggest, immediate difference to the situation we face right now. Moreover, we ask South Africans to become regular donors. By donating blood we can easily maintain safe stock levels throughout the year,” Mosupye concluded.

Everyone who is ready and willing to roll up their sleeves can find out more about where they can donate blood by visiting www.sanbs.org.za, by calling 0800 11 90 31, or by visiting @theSANBS on all major social media platforms. To be eligible to donate blood, you have to be between 16 and 75 year old and weight more than 50kg.

Don’t let South Africa run out of safe blood. Donate today.

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About the SANBS

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is an independent non-profit organisation, and one of the leaders in the discipline of blood transfusion. SANBS operates in eight out of nine provinces in South Africa (with the exception of the Western Cape, which is serviced by the Western Cape Blood Service). It also provides crucial support to countries in the SADC region.

SANBS supplies over one million blood products annually and is rated among the top blood services in the world.  This pedigree comes, as a result of world-class testing and collection protocols which ensure that the blood which is transfused is always of top quality.

The blood is processed into its constituent components; red blood cells, plasma and platelets therefore in principle a single blood donation can save up to three lives.

Media Enquiries

Khensani Mahlangu

Communication Specialist

khensani.mahlangu@sanbs.org.za

082 419 0431