SANBS emergency appeal

Without giving Covid too much credit, we cannot deny the fact that it is creating havoc and irreversible damage is inevitable as a secondary impact, in so many spheres of life.

As much as the Eastern Cape is a hot spot for Covid, the usage of blood has returned to normal overall nationally. The challenge is that blood collections have not improved at all, and the gap between supply and demand is reaching alarming levels.

Traditionally, December is a difficult time for us at the South African National Blood Service, with limited access to corporate blood drives and availability of donors, impacting on the ability to collect the minimum of 3 500 units of blood a day that is needed to treat patients. We are already facing severe shortages of blood, to the extent that there may not be sufficient available blood for patients in need to sustain the country over the festive season.

We urgently appeal to everyone who is willing and able, to make a donation.

COVID-19 has kept us out of public spaces and we need your help to get back. Companies, churches, community centres and public organisations can book group donations or host blood drives to allow the SANBS to reach more donors.

Give life this festive season. It takes just 15 minutes of your time.

Although the festive season is fun for most people, it is a difficult period for doctors who work hard to save lives, needing blood and blood products to do so. “Traditionally, December is a difficult time for the SANBS, with limited access to corporate blood drives and availability of donors, impacting on the ability to collect the minimum of 3 500 units of blood a day that are needed to treat patients. We approach this season with low stocks and we know that we have some tough times ahead if donors do not respond to our call to lend a hand,” said Ravi Reddy, SANBS Chief Operations Officer.

The SANBS’ inability to access venues for blood drives is also hampering meeting collection targets successfully. As a result, blood stocks continue to dwindle steadily.

“Our Group O blood stocks have dropped significantly and we are appealing to all South Africans to donate a unit of blood in aid of those in need of it,” added Reddy.

The SANBS is, furthermore, appealing to the public to make venues available for blood drives. Suitable venues include spaces accessible and open to the public. “As we head into the busy holiday season, we are facing a particularly challenging situation.