The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is calling on donors to donate blood as it is seeing a dip in national blood collections during and immediately after the festive season.
‘’While this is expected, rebuilding healthy stock levels early in the year is essential to ensure the continuous availability of blood products for patients who depend on them,’’ said the SANBS in a statement.
COURTESY: X - @The_WCBSThe blood service says it usually sees a drop in January, as
donors are often away from their regular donation centers during December,
leading to fewer visits; Workplaces, schools and universities and key
collection points close or operate on reduced schedules over the festive
season; Meeting demand during the festive period with reduced donations.
Emergency medical care, childbirth and the ongoing treatment of chronic
conditions continue year-round, placing sustained pressure on available blood
supplie; Year-end events, travel and family commitments can cause regular
donors to miss their usual donations schedule, creating a visible gap in blood
collections by January.
SANBS is encouraging O and B blood group donors who are due
for donation to donate as these groups contribute significantly to the stability
of the national blood supply. O negative is the universal blood type used in
emergencies. Group B contributes significantly to maintaining balanced stock
for specific patient groups.
It however stressed that all blood groups are welcome and
needed.
To ensure a consistent and reliable blood supply for patients, our goal is to maintain a five-day stock, particularly for blood groups O and B. We currently have just over three days' coverage, and we encourage all donors to support us by donating and helping us reach our daily… pic.twitter.com/OCq9zYqOpX
— The SANBS (@theSANBS) January 7, 2026
“We appreciate every South African who donates blood, and
we want to start the year by saying thank you,” says Thandi Mosupye, Senior
Manager: Marketing, Communication and Brand at SANBS.
“January is a challenging month for collections, but it is
also an opportunity. If donors, especially those with O and B blood groups
visit a donor centre early in the year, we can stabilise the national blood
supply quickly and ensure hospitals continue caring for patients without
interruption. We encourage all eligible donors to make time to give the gift of
life,’’ she added.
Who Can Donate?
·
First-time donors must be between 16 and 75
years old.
·
Donors must weigh at least 50 kg (55 kg for
platelet donations).
·
Donors should be in good health, lead a
low-risk lifestyle, and consider their blood safe for transfusion.
·
Donors should have eaten within four hours
before donating.
·
Whole blood may not have been donated in the
last 56 days, or platelets/plasma in the last 14 days.
Done by: Mitchum George
Comments