The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has issued an urgent appeal to the public to start 2026 by donating blood, warning that national blood stocks remain below optimal levels following the festive season.
January is traditionally one of the most difficult months for blood collection. Increased holiday travel, fewer workplace and campus blood drives, and disrupted donor routines over December contribute to a sharp decline in donations. At the same time, the demand for blood does not slow down.
Hospitals across the country continue to rely on blood supplies for emergency medical care, childbirth, trauma cases and the treatment of chronic illnesses. SANBS says this constant demand places ongoing pressure on already strained blood reserves.
“These statistics represent real people, mothers, fathers and children, whose recovery, and sometimes survival, depends on donated blood,” SANBS said in a statement.
The organisation is particularly encouraging donors with O and B blood groups who are eligible to donate to visit donor centres early in the year. O-negative blood is especially critical in emergencies as it can be used for patients of any blood type, while group B donations are vital for maintaining balanced stock levels. However, SANBS emphasised that all blood groups are urgently needed.
“January...
