The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is currently experiencing a "dry spell" due to excessive blood shortages. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation even further as the SANBS is unable to tap into one of its largest donor bases, students and staff.
However, the SANBS has taken hands with the North-West University (NWU) to enable eligible donors to donate blood this Thursday, 1 April 2021, a day before Easter.
"Daily, thousands of patients rely on blood availability, especially during the Easter period. Your blood donation will help save lives. Rest assured that stringent protocols are in place to ensure your safety," says the SANBS's Shivanie Lutchman.
According to Shivanie the SANBS/NWU blood donor drives will take place as follow:
Mahikeng: Mobile Donor Centre, 21 North Street, from 09:00 - 17:00
Potchefstroom: Donor Centre, Henco Building, Die Bult, from 09:00 - 17:00
Vanderbijlpark: Vaal Mall, next to Pick ‘n Pay, from 09:00 - 16:00
Meanwhile, the SANBS and the NWU are also planning additional blood donor drives to prepare for the upcoming winter season which also poses a major challenge with dwindling blood stocks.
NWU spokesperson Christopher Motabogi says the initiative is aimed at offering much-needed support to the SANBS. “Efforts are being made to mobilise the NWU's students, staff and members of the public to donate blood and to ensure them that everything possible will be done to ensure their safety.”
