Photo by [BusinessLive]
The South African National Blood Service is experiencing a high blood supply demand from hospitals across the country. The need is causing shortages in blood reserves, potentially leading to blood rationing.
As such, the SANBS appeals to all South Africans aged between 16-75 and weighing above 50kg to donate blood and increase the blood stock to three days. Anything below three days is a cause for concern.
According to Khensani Mahlangu, spokesperson for SANBS, the blood stock is sitting at 2.8 days. “This has been ongoing for a couple of months. We usually have ebbs and flows throughout the year, and this is seasonal … The situation, fortunately, is not anywhere near critical, but we … Want to see ourselves above five days. Because if there were any situation, a major natural disaster, for instance, and we had to dispense a lot of blood, we would not have blood to reach anywhere near three days, so we would be able to cover only about 2.8 days which is really a cause for concern.”
High Demand and Low Donations
Approximately 1% of South Africans donate blood regularly. Every year, the number of donors decreases due to age and illnesses. The low number of donors is straining the blood reserves, as people require daily blood transfusions amongst other needs.
Mahlangu adds if the situation somewhat intensified further, the SANBS would be forced to ration blood supply, which could place many who need transfusions or are scheduled for operations in a very dire position.
“We would have to put in place cutbacks which means that we would then, or rather the medical institutions such as the hospitals, would have to prioritise the high priority cases, so to speak. It would be that only the individuals who are in dire need of blood are able to get it. As I mentioned, we do have people who get transfusions weekly. Those people, if they are not critically ill, would not receive their blood, and the impact on their health would be felt immediately.”
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Efforts to Accommodate Donors
Mahlangu said they are struggling with the high demand for blood, and the problem they are facing is that few donors are helping them meet the demand. A common challenge they noticed that inhibits potential donors is the inability to get to donor centres and blood drives.
Therefore, SANBS launched a campaign to make it easier for people to donate blood. She adds that if a minimum of 30 people sign up to be donors via their website or call centres, SANBS takes it upon themselves to accommodate them by setting up blood drives in their communities, whether community spaces, religious centres, or residential areas.
“Call [and] tell us, I have 30 people [and] we organise the rest. We come and host the blood drive in your space, even in your homes or complex. We can come, we just need about two parking bays where we can set up, and the rest is done by us. We want to see how we can help make it easier for the public.”
Thandi Mosupye, SANBS Senior Manager, said on their website, “We commend the donors who remain steadfast in their commitment to saving lives. Right now, we need all the help we can get – from current and potential donors … Moreover, we ask South Africans to become regular donors. By donating blood, we can easily maintain safe stock levels throughout the year.”
