Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
24th January 2024 | 15:30 CAT
2 Min read

There is a growing concern over decreasing blood supplies, especially during emergency situations. The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is urging people to donate blood.

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is in dire need of 3500 units of blood daily. They are urgently requesting all potential and existing blood donors who are eligible to donate, to visit a SANBS blood donation site and donate their unit of blood. Every donation counts and can help save a life.

In its statement, SANBS mentioned that high demand for blood and current weather conditions have caused a steep decline in blood stocks.

Khensani Mahlangu, spokesperson for the SA Blood Services said: “We take for granted, that there are individuals who need regular transfusions to lead a normal life, such as people with chronic illnesses. The majority of the blood goes into treating neo-natal cases, such as women who are pregnant and expecting to deliver, they can treat the mother and child, especially if she haemorrhages, she would need blood urgently. As well as cancer patients.”

Mahlangu looks forward to seeing blood stocks improve as we head into February. But currently appeals to all potential and existing blood donors, to visit blood donation sites.

“Blood remains storable for 42 days which is why we need committed donors to regularly donate blood,” said Mahlangu.

She described the ideal donor as an individual who leads a healthy lifestyle and can consistently donate. The well-being of the donor and the recipient is a top priority for the SANBS.

To become a blood donor, you must:

• Be between the ages of 16 and 75 years
• Weigh 50kg or more
• Be in good health
• Lead a healthy lifestyle
• Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient
• Commit to donating blood regularly

“It doesn’t matter where you are, we will come to you, whether you are in a rural or urban area, we make the donation process accessible to all,” Mahlangyu added.

According to the National Health Act, it is against the law to receive any form of payment for human tissue.

“Since it is illegal to compensate donors, what we try to do is give a token of appreciation, and where we do get partners, we do try to ride on that, but this is a way to thank a donor, not to incentivize them,” Mahlangyu emphasized.

To find out more about where you can donate blood, visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml. Junaid Kharsany and Khensani Mahlangu, spokesperson for the SA Blood Services, here.