Blood supply in KwaZulu-Natal is about to run out, with only half a day’s stock available right now – prompting a call for donors to step forward urgently.
“The bloodstock in KZN is dangerously low. We don’t have blood that can last for the rest of the day- today. We are currently at 0.9, which is 177 Units of blood and we need all blood groups to boost the stock,” says Sifiso Khoza, regional marketing manager for the South African National Blood Service (SANBS).
“A healthy blood stock in the province is 500 units of blood a day but now we’re down to 177 units right now, which means we don’t have enough blood to last even for today. And as much as we need all blood types, blood group O is in demand as it is universal and can be transferable to all patients in need. The situation is critical. We are appealing to residents of KwaZulu-Natal – active donors, potential donors and lapsed donors – to help to bolster the regional bloodstock,” he adds.
“There are many people in life-threatening situations who require blood, right now. It’s the cancer patients who need regular blood supply, it’s the mother giving birth, it’s those who have been in accidents and it’s anyone suffering complications during major surgery.
“If you are able to donate blood, please do so as soon as you can. We’d like to thank you in advance for your donation: it’s not just about donating blood, it’s about saving people’s lives,” says Sifiso Khoza, regional marketing manager for the South African National Blood Service
To find out more about donating blood and to locate your nearest SANBS donor centre in KwaZulu-Natal, visit sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31.
Your country needs you – Right Now – Donate Blood! https://t.co/ikVUiJB0k4 #ArriveAlive @theSANBS pic.twitter.com/XpELhsoJjm
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 5, 2017