APPROXIMATELY 26% of donated blood collected by South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is used for childbirth and gynaecological cases.
In honour of Women’s Month, SANBS urges people who meet the minimum requirements to help prevent maternal deaths, and any other complications, by donating blood.
Currently the countrywide stock level is at 2.9 days supply.
SANBS Communications Manager, Vanessa Raju, said, ‘We hear the pain from mothers who are often helpless when their little loved ones are in hospital awaiting blood transfusions and we hope, that with the help of the public, we are able to make a small difference in their lives.
‘At SANBS we work hard to ensure there is always adequate, safe blood stocks available, but this is only possible with the help of blood donors,’ she said.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the death of women from childbirth complications continues to be a serious global health challenge.
Presently, approximately 800 women die needlessly from childbirth complications daily.
Severe bleeding during delivery and after childbirth is a major cause of death, illness and long-term disability.
However, a blood transfusion has been identified as one of the nine key lifesaving interventions.
Minimum blood donor requirements
• Between 16 and 65 years of age
• Weigh 50kg or more
• Good health
• Lead a sexually safe lifestyle
