As South Africa celebrates National Blood Donation Month, the Western Cape Blood Service has pleaded with South Africans to donate more blood as stocks become critically low.
The WBCS said it only had two days' worth of stock for both the O and B blood groups, and three days' worth of A-positive stock. According to a recent statement from the WBCS, blood donations were expected to decrease during winter due to sickness and weather conditions"which is not conducive to going out".
Its spokesperson, Michelle Vermeulen, said illness during winter significantly influenced the number of blood donors. "Donors who have colds and flu are unable to donate and can only donate once they are symptom-free for three days," she added. Thousands of patients require life-saving blood transfusions daily in South Africa. Aside from accident and other trauma-related transfusions, patients also need transfusions to correct a low platelet count.
"[Those who need blood transfusions include] patients suffering from immunodeficiency disorders, undergoing chemotherapy or awaiting a bone marrow transplant, during childbirth, and those undergoing heart surgeries." initiative on 25 June. Vermeulen said myrun events would occur across the province, including Stellenbosch, Blouberg, Mossel Bay, and Knysna. Those interested in donating blood can visit Those eligible to donate blood must be between the ages 16 and 75 and weigh more than 50kg. In times of uncertainty you need journalism you can trust. For 14 free days, you can have access to a world of in-depth analyses, investigative journalism, top opinions and a range of features. Journalism strengthens democracy.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Western Cape Blood Service issues an urgent call for blood donationsThe Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is currently experiencing a critical shortage of blood stocks, prompting an urgent appeal for donors.
Read more »
Western Cape blood supply drops dangerously low due to adverse weatherWestern Cape blood supply drops dangerously low due to adverse weather: Winter storms have contributed to a 'severe blood stock shortage' in the Western Cape.
Read more »
Western Cape blood supply drops dangerously low due to adverse weatherWinter storms have contributed to a 'severe blood stock shortage' in the Western Cape.
Read more »
Western Cape blood supply drops dangerously low due to adverse weatherWinter storms have contributed to a 'severe blood stock shortage' in the Western Cape.
Read more »
Cape Town dam levels pass 90% capacity as rain lashes the Western CapeThe official dam level stats in the Western Cape show that three of the six dams are currently exceeding capacity.
Read more »
Level 5 warning: Disruptive wind to hit parts of Western Cape, Eastern Cape | The CitizenThe South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an orange level 5 warning for waves and wind resulting between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay of the Western Cape on Tuesday.💨💨💨 Weather Read all about it on TheCitizenNews
Read more »