South Africa answers the call for blood donations as supplies dwindle

In the wake of the festive season, blood collections across South Africa have sharply declined, leaving the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) with dwindling supplies. As the need for blood remains constant and critical, SANBS has launched a national campaign, named 'Answer the Call,' urging South Africans to step forward and donate blood to help replenish the nation's blood supplies.

Every day, lives throughout the country depend on the availability of safe blood supplies. From accident victims to cancer patients and mothers encountering childbirth complications, a reliable blood stock is essential for effective treatment and recovery. The 'Answer the Call' campaign, which kicked off on February 11, aims to bolster blood reserves ahead of the busy Easter holiday period, ensuring that hospitals can continue to provide life-saving interventions to those in need.

“While many South Africans were travelling, resting, and enjoying a break over the festive season, emergencies didn’t take time off," said Monique Schreiner, Senior Manager: Donor Relations at SANBS. “Road accidents, medical procedures, and life-saving treatments all rely on a stable blood supply. Answer the Call is about reminding South Africans that now is the moment to step up, especially as we approach another high-demand period like Easter.”

Who Can Answer the Call?

SANBS encourages all eligible South Africans to participate in this vital donor drive. To qualify, potential donors must:

• Be 16 years or older (with parental consent required for those under 18)
• Weigh 50kg or more
• Be in good general health
• Lead a low-risk lifestyle

The donation process takes approximately 30 minutes, and a single donation has the potential to save up to three lives by supporting accident victims, surgical patients, and others in dire need. "Answering the call today helps ensure that patients continue to receive the blood they need tomorrow," Schreiner added. “By donating today, South Africans can help support a stable blood supply through the Easter period and beyond.”

Participating in the campaign is straightforward:

• Donate blood at your nearest SANBS donor centre or blood drive
• Encourage friends, family, and colleagues, including first-time donors, to contribute
• Commit to regular donations to help maintain a reliable blood buffer.

“When SANBS calls, it’s never about us,” Schreiner said. “It's about the lives waiting on the other end of the line,” she said, adding that SANBS was grateful to all donors, partners, and communities who consistently answer the call to give the gift of life.

The independent non-profit SANBS operates across eight provinces and provides essential support to several countries within the SADC region. Renowned for its commitment to quality, SANBS boasts over one million world-class blood products sourced through robust testing and collection protocols. With a vast network comprising more than 70 fixed centres and over 100 mobile collection sites, SANBS aims to collect 3,500 units of blood each day to ensure a safe and sufficient supply for the nation’s healthcare system. Regular donations are critical as a unit of blood has a shelf life of just 42 days.

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