The Western Cape Blood Service and the South African Blood Service are calling on all donors to help with the critical shortage of blood stocks.
South Africa (02 March 2022) – The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) and the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) are both appealing to all eligible donors to donate blood as blood stocks are critically low.
“Currently, we only have a 2-day blood supply in O blood groups and a 3-day supply of A+ and B+”, says Marike Gevers, Public Relations Manager at WCBS.
“We aim to maintain a 5-day blood stock supply in all blood group”, Gevers added.
WCBS encourages all blood donors to find their closest blood donation clinic and save up to 3 lives with one donation. Each donor that successfully donates a unit of blood in March will receive a limited-edition WCBS face mask. To find your closest blood donation clinic, please download the WCBS app on Android and iOS, send us a WhatsApp on 060 549 7244 or visit www.wcbs.org.za for more information.
If you are between the ages of 16 and 75, weigh 50kg or more, are in good general health, and lead a safe sexual lifestyle, you should be able to donate. Blood donation takes 30 minutes of your time, and you can donate every 56 days.
“Do something remarkable, donate blood.”
The SANBS is also experiencing a shortage of bloodstock. This means you can donate anywhere in South Africa to raise the national stock level.
“Blood stocks are critically low, we need group B+ and AB- and O+ donors to donate” – SANBS
Less than 1% of South Africans are active blood donors. A unit of blood only lasts 42 days after donation, and, for this reason, it is essential for blood donors to donate regularly. Donors can give blood as often as every eight weeks.
You can find your nearest blood bank or blood drive here. The SANBS is always happy to help set up a blood drive in your area or at your office; you can reach out for info on how to set one up.
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