Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
13 June 2024 | 15:42 CAT

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Blood donors will be celebrated on Friday as the world commemorates World Blood Donor Day. This year’s theme is “20 years of celebrating giving: thank your blood donors!”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has emphasized celebrating voluntary blood donations’ roles in saving lives and enhancing solidarity within communities.

“The 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day is an excellent and timely opportunity to thank blood donors across the world for their life-saving donations over the years and honour the profound impact on both patients and donors. It is also a timely moment to address continued challenges, and accelerate progress towards a future where safe blood transfusion is universally accessible,” the World Health Organisation stated.

World Blood Donor Day falls within the long weekend coinciding with Youth Day on 16 June. Head of Donors at the South African National Blood Services (SANBS), Neelashan Govender, appealed to donors to kindly consider the needs of others by donating a pint of blood.

“This is also a very difficult period for us as we are reliant on our schools and universities who are currently in examination period with holidays approaching,” says Govender.

Govender pointed out that during the winter period, there is a higher prevalence of cold and flu symptoms, making blood collection very difficult.

He said they wished to reach more people so they could highlight the importance of blood donations. He said they required at least 3,500 units daily to satisfy demand, which often increased due to car accidents.

Your blood donation can make a life-saving difference. It helps patients survive surgeries, manage chronic illnesses, and recover from traumatic injuries. Patients with anaemia, for instance, constantly require blood.

Govender said blood stocks were not at the level they usually were during the June-July period and the festive season.

Govender reassured potential donors that the criteria for blood donation are straightforward and encouraged everyone to consider donating.

A person must be between 16-75 years old; they must have a light meal before donating to avoid fainting.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie below.