Desperate plea for blood donations

SANBS clinical supervisor Kristen Govender said South Africa faced a blood shortage crisis and encouraged donors and potential donors to help save lives.

Fewer than 1% of South Africans are active blood donors, and donations can be made every eight weeks.

A unit of blood only lasts 42 days after donation and each one can save a minimum of three lives as blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets.

SANBS needs to maintain enough stocks for five days to ensure patients in need can be supplied.