Donate blood, every drop counts

EVERY drop counts, and this Saturday, Africa is counting on you. South Africa’s blood supply is among the safest in the world, despite carrying the highest HIV burden globally. Yet less than one percent of eligible donors give blood, leaving hospitals in a daily fight for lifesaving supplies.

Today, at least 16 African nations unite for Red Saturday, a continent-wide campaign to boost donations. Nigeria, Liberia, Ethiopia, Namibia, Ghana, and South Africa are mobilising donors to save lives and raise awareness about the critical need for voluntary blood donation. By working together, these countries aim not just to increase donations for immediate needs but to encourage a culture of regular giving that can sustain their blood systems year-round.

South Africa alone requires at least 3,000 units daily, yet only a fraction of the population steps forward. “Just one donation can save three lives,” says Willem van der Merwe of the South African National Blood Service (SANBS). “We encourage everyone who can donate to roll up their sleeves. Every unit helps, whether it goes to a mother giving birth, a child needing a transfusion, or a patient undergoing chemotherapy.”

Unlike many African nations, South Africa usually maintains adequate supplies, while other countries might not have any blood readily available, Van der Merwe said. “It's not necessarily a case of running out of blood; it's just that it's not even there to begin with. Many countries operate on a family replacement system, so if a relative needs blood, someone else must donate to replace it, which puts people under pressure and can compromise safety. Voluntary systems, as ours aim for, are far safer and more reliable.”

Red Saturday seeks to bolster South Africa’s blood stocks while helping neighbouring countries move toward voluntary donation systems. “Many African countries do not have the resources to run donor drives on their own,” Van der Merwe says. “Red Saturday allows us to share ideas, materials, and expertise to benefit everyone, helping build stronger, more sustainable blood donation programmes across the continent.”

This year, South Africa is aiming for 6 000 donations, while Nigeria hopes for 10 000. Liberia, Ethiopia, and Namibia have also set ambitious targets, reflecting the collective commitment to lifesaving solidarity. Even so, Van der Merwe stresses that consistent donations throughout the year remain crucial. “Collections on the day might build about two days’ worth of stock. But ongoing support is needed to maintain safe levels and ensure we can meet everyday demand.”

Contrary to popular belief, blood is not in higher demand over the festive season because of accidents, which account for less than two percent of usage. Most blood is used daily for routine medical needs: women giving birth, newborn babies, chemotherapy patients, and surgeries, including knee and hip replacements or heart transplants. Van der Merwe notes that while blood usage is steady year-round, donations dip during holidays when schools and universities are closed. “There’s a gap between supply and demand during this period, which can create shortages. Red Saturday helps bridge that gap so we don’t have to issue urgent appeals and ensures hospitals have a safety net until schools reopen in mid-January.”

SANBS will set up more than 100 donation sites in shopping centres nationwide, in addition to regular clinics, while the Western Cape Blood Service increases visibility across its province to make donating as easy and accessible as possible. “We want the public to understand why donating now is so important,” Van der Merwe adds.

Safety is paramount. Despite South Africa’s high HIV prevalence, all donations are rigorously tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and routinely for syphilis. “We use the most advanced testing technology to ensure blood is safe. Donors also understand the importance of being honest in health and lifestyle questions, which protects themselves and recipients.”

Red Saturday also highlights the importance of ongoing commitment and hopes to bring more donors into the fold who will give blood regularly. Currently, there are 630 000 active donors in South Africa, representing less than one percent of eligible South Africans aged 16 to 75. Expanding this pool is critical to sustaining adequate supplies for the country’s daily needs.

Although Red Saturday unites donors across Africa, each country retains its own blood supply due to strict regulations on cross-border movement. “Like all human tissue, blood is tightly regulated. Generally, we do not move any blood collected in South Africa to other countries. Exceptions exist only for rare blood group matches, but these are extremely limited. Our main support to other nations is sharing expertise, marketing material, and ideas to help them strengthen their own donation systems.”

“Red Saturday embodies African solidarity,” says Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager of the Western Cape Blood Service. “By donating blood, we’re not only giving life but also reinforcing the bonds that unite our continent. Every drop counts, and every donor makes a tangible difference.”

Eligible donors must be 16–75 years old, weigh at least 50kg, be in good health, and practice safe sex. Blood donation takes about 30 minutes, and whole blood can be given every 56 days. Plasma and platelet donations, which return red blood cells to donors, can be given every two weeks. With accessible donation sites, clear safety measures, and a continent-wide push for solidarity, there has never been a better time to roll up your sleeves and give life this Saturday.