Appeal for blood donations as national stocks remain low

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has appealed to the public to start the new year by donating blood, saying national blood stocks remain below optimal levels following the festive season.

January is traditionally a difficult period for blood collections, as holiday travel, fewer workplace and campus blood drives, and disrupted donor routines over December contribute to a drop in donations. Meanwhile, the demand for blood remains constant.

SANBS said blood is needed year-round for emergency medical care, childbirth, trauma cases and the treatment of chronic conditions, placing ongoing pressure on available supplies.

The blood service has specifically encouraged donors with O and B blood groups who are eligible to donate to visit donor centres early in the year. O-negative blood is important in emergencies, while group B is important for maintaining balanced stock levels. However, SANBS emphasised that donations from all blood groups are essential.

"January is a challenging month for collections, but it is also an opportunity. If donors make time to donate early in the year, we can quickly stabilise the national blood supply and ensure hospitals continue caring for patients without interruption,” said Thandi Mosupye, manager of marketing, communication and brand at SANBS.

A single blood donation takes only a few minutes to complete and can save up to three lives, said the SANBS.