Umamah Bakharia | ub@radioislam.co.za

2 min read
7 February 2023 | 20:00 CAT

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is urging South Africans to donate blood, as blood reserve levels are extremely low.

Picture: SANBS

“The nation’s blood stocks are strained, necessitating our appeal for increased donations. The SANBS runs blood drives across the country, throughout the week and including on weekends,” says SANBS spokesperson, Thandi Mosupye in a statement.

The organisation says it is experiencing high demand for blood from hospitals across the country which led SANBS to have a reserve stock of only three days’ supply for prolonged periods of time.

The blood service is pleading with South Africans to become regular donors to keep the reserve at a safe level.

“Right now, we need all the help we can get. 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,” added Mosupye.

For more information on where to donate blood visit www.sanbs.org.za, call 0800 11 90 31, or visit @theSANBS on all major social media platforms.

Eligible donors have to be between 16- and 75-years-old and weigh more than 50kg.