Every time a patient receives blood a miracle takes place. Had it not been for the blood donor donating that unit of blood, the cycle of life will grind to a halt.
 
With the busy festive season approaching, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) once again needs the support of all South Africans to boost the country’s blood stock.

In the period December 2006 to January 2007, a total of 102 897 units of blood and blood products were used, compared to 99 419 units the same period in the previous years. In total 3 478 more units of blood were used last year over the festive season.

Despite the increase in blood usage, the number of people who donated blood, decreased from 162 273 for the period December 2005 to January 2006 to 122 835 between December 2006 and January 2007. This shows a decrease of 39 438 units of blood.

Dr Loyiso Mpuntsha, CEO of SANBS, says the organisation relies on the goodwill of the public to donate blood before they go on vacation.

“The festive season is a time of giving. We cannot save the lives of patients without the support from the public. Although the public at large take a well-deserved break from their busy schedules in December, patients with life-threatening illnesses such as cancer do not take a break from their disease. They still need blood and blood products to survive.  Similarly, the festive season is a time when more road accidents take place, which is why we ask South Africans to lend a helping vein and join in the spirit of giving,” Dr Mpuntsha says.

SANBS is further encouraging more people to become blood donors as its current donor base is ageing and not sufficient to meet the demand for blood in the country.

The majority of current blood donors are between the ages of 36 to 50.

“The new year is a time of new commitments. If we could get more people from the other age groups to donate blood regularly in 2008, we will have a sustainable blood supply”.

Blood donors have to be between the ages of 16 and 65, weigh 50kg or more and lead a sexually safe lifestyle.