The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) spokesperson Kensani Mahlangu says they currently face blood shortages nationwide.

She told OFM News they currently have less than 3.5 days’ bloodstock, meaning they are quickly reaching critical pressure levels.

Mahlangu says the COVID-19 pandemic has kept blood drives out of schools, universities as well as corporate settings - which has placed considerable pressure on blood stocks. 

“In order to address this we are calling out to the public to assist us,” she adds.

The organisation is appealing to volunteers to donate blood and urges South Africans to develop a habit of donating blood in order for the organisation to collect sufficient stock that will ensure that in cases of emergency, blood is always available.

Mahlangu adds that the SANBS has various measures in place to protect the health and wellbeing of blood donors and patients.

These measures ensure that their blood supply is among the safest in the world.

OFM News/Blaine Jones