The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) says its stocks are unstable, and is urging the public to kindly donate blood regularly to avoid blood shortages.

Meanwhile, the North-West University (NWU) is contributing to the campaign by hosting additional blood donation drives.  Three drives, in association with the SANBS, have already taken place on the NWU’s campuses this year, and more will be held this month to help replenish SANBS blood stocks.

According to the SANBS’s national spokesperson, Khensani Mahlangu, blood stocks in the North-West Province are currently sitting at 3,7 days, which is below the five-day threshold the SANBS needs at any given time to ensure there is always enough blood available to meet demand.

“Unfortunately Covid-19 has kept the public out of spaces where most blood is collected. The potential impact is an inability to issue blood in emergencies and the possible loss of lives,” warns Khensani.

The SANBS is therefore appealing to all donors to rally behind this cause and to help the SANBS to reach their goal of 3 500 units per day.

The NWU’s HIV/Aids coordinator, Pan Mabile, says the university will do everything in its power to encourage students and staff who are eligible to donate blood to do so.

The SANBS is also encouraging interested parties who are able to host a blood drive to visit www.sanbs.org.za to book a drive and see how else to get involved.