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Blood service appeals for donors as national stocks run low

Published

National blood stocks have fallen to 3.9 days' cover, below the SA National Blood Service's minimum target of five days. The service says some regions have less than three days' cover and wants eligible people to donate before the festive season.

The service needs about 3,500 units of blood every day to meet patient demand. It said current donations fall short of that need, which raises concern about availability as the festive season approaches.

Monique Schreiner, senior manager for donor relations at the service, said: "The current blood supply is under significant pressure, and we need the public's support to rebuild stocks ahead of the festive season".

She appealed to regular donors, lapsed donors and eligible first-time donors to give blood.

Key facts

Who
Monique Schreiner (senior manager for donor relations, SA National Blood Service); SA National Blood Service (organisation appealing for blood donations)
What
The SA National Blood Service appealed to eligible South Africans to donate blood because national stocks fell to 3.9 days' cover, below its five-day minimum target. The service needs about 3,500 units daily, and some regions have stocks below three days' cover.
When
23 October 2026
Where
South Africa
Status
Reported

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