The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has issued an urgent call for South Africans to step up and donate blood, as national stocks have dropped to just 3.9 days’ cover. This critical shortage falls well below the required minimum target of five days’ supply.

Urgent call for people to step up and donate blood

With the fast-approaching festive season, a time typically marked by higher demand, the declining reserves raise serious concerns over maintaining adequate supplies for emergency care, surgeries, and routine treatments.

Daily Requirement: SANBS needs 3,500 units of blood daily across South Africa to meet patient demand.

Regional Pressure: Some regions face even dire shortages, with reserves plummeting below three days.

High-Demand Blood Types: O-negative and Group O supplies remain under critical pressure due to their vital role in emergency transfusions.

Patients rely daily on life-saving transfusions for emergency trauma, childbirth complications, and cancer treatments.

Why Urgent Action Is Needed

“The current blood supply is under significant pressure, and we need the public’s support to rebuild stocks ahead of the festive season,” said Monique Schreiner, Senior Manager of Donor Relations at SANBS. “We are appealing to active donors, lapsed donors, and eligible South Africans who have never donated before to make time to give blood. Every donation counts and can help save lives.”

How You Can Help Save Lives Today

SANBS encourages all eligible citizens not to wait until the holiday rush. Making blood donation a priority today ensures hospitals remain equipped to save lives throughout the Mother City and beyond.

Toll-Free Line: 0800 11 90 31

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