The Citizen reports that blood stocks in South Africa are running critically low, and the South African National Blood Service is appealing to businesses, universities, schools and churches to help achieve its minimum requirement of 4 000 units a day.
Demand has surged since lockdown as elective surgeries are now being conducted, as well as a return to increased numbers of accidents.
A statement released by the SANBS reads: “Blood stocks have dropped to critically low levels. The immediate impact is an inability to issue blood in emergencies and the possible loss of lives. We need healthy donors to give blood now.”
Dr Karen de Berg of the SANBS says that the shortfall is resulting from not being able to station blood donation drives at businesses, universities and schools. The SANBS is appealing for donors to visit their website or social media pages to locate their nearest blood donation centres, and is hoping to set up donation drives at churches and petrol stations.
