It is because of people like Martie Van der Walt, who at 72 years old had made over 117 whole blood donations, that the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is able to consistently deliver life-saving, safe blood to the nation.
Every year, South Africa observes World Blood Donor Day in June a drive to emphasise the need for a stable supply of healthy, safe blood and blood products. Moreover, this month-long celebration serves the purpose of thanking and encouraging people to commit to regular donations.
In January 2021, Mosa Mphore, a donor kidney recipient, entered the last stage of rejection. “My doctors decided to place me on plasmapheresis to stop my body from rejecting my kidney,” Mosa remembered. Following an initial 10 rounds of plasma transfusions, Mosa is doing well. “It was like a second transplant for me. The plasma helped to keep my kidney alive. I will forever be grateful,” he expressed joyfully.
Thousands of people with chronic and life-threatening conditions who have been given second chances at life, join the SANBS in thanking blood donors, this World Blood Donor Day. These invaluable, regular donations have given people like Mosa an opportunity to make more memories with their families.
Thandi Mosupye, SANBS’ Senior Manager: Marketing and Communication expressed the organisation’s gratitude saying, “The best gift you can give anyone is the gift of life. We know that South Africans have huge hearts and we call on them to fully embrace the spirit of unity under this year’s World Blood Donor Day theme, ‘Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives”.
SANBS applauds its regular donors, who ensure the target of 3 500 units per day is maintained. Mosupye added, “This Youth month we are appealing to young, healthy South Africans to also take up the cause of donating blood and make it a lifestyle choice.”
Visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31 to find out where you support blood drives throughout the month of June. Connect with us on Twitter (@theSANBS), Facebook (@SANBS), and Instagram (@thesanbs).
About the National Blood Donor Month
Every year on 14 June, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day (WBDD). The event, established in 2004, serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank blood donors for their voluntary, life-saving gifts of blood. World Blood Donor Day is celebrated every year on the day of the birthday anniversary of Karl Landsteiner on 14 June 1868. World Blood Donor Day celebrations bring a precious opportunity to celebrate donors on a national and global level, as well as, to commemorate the birthday of Karl Landsteiner (a great scientist who won the Nobel Prize for his great discovery of the ABO blood group system).
South Africa celebrates blood donors for the whole month of June, hence, National Blood Donor Month.