ELEANOR DOUGLAS-MEYERS
Every day in South Africa, lives are saved thanks to one powerful act: blood donation.
For some, it’s just a nice idea — something they might do one day, when they have time. For me, it’s much more personal. It’s the reason I’m alive today.
The first time I needed a blood transfusion, it wasn’t optional – it was life-saving. I was in the ICU, critically ill. I don’t remember all the details, but I remember waking up and being told that multiple units of donated blood had kept me alive. I owe that moment, and so many more since, to strangers who chose to roll up their sleeves.
And that was just the beginning.
A Life That Depends on Blood Donation
I live with a chronic condition that causes malabsorption, meaning my body struggles to absorb key nutrients, especially iron. I suffer from severe iron-deficiency anaemia, and while I often receive iron infusions, they don’t always work well enough. In the past three years alone, I’ve had to have five blood transfusions just to stay functional.
Without them, I wouldn’t be able to parent, work, or live fully. I wouldn’t be here to watch my son grow up.
To add to the complexity, I’m AB+, one of the rarest blood types in South Africa, making up just about 3% of the population. While AB+ individuals are fortunate to receive red blood cells from a range of Rh-positive types, our plasma is incredibly valuable and can help people of all blood types in emergencies.
These aren’t just numbers to me. They’re the reason I get to live a relatively normal life despite a very abnormal health journey.
The Bigger Picture
June is National Blood Donor Month, a reminder that the need for blood is constant — and increasingly urgent. According to the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), over 800 units of blood are needed every day in this country. That’s more than 30 units every hour.
And yet, only 1% of eligible South Africans donate blood.
“Donating blood is one of the most selfless and impactful things a person can do,” says Tania Joffe, founder of Unu Health. “It costs nothing, takes just 30 minutes of your time, and can save up to three lives with every donation.”
Who Needs Blood?
The reality is, any of us could need blood at any time — after a car accident, during surgery, childbirth, cancer treatment, or when living with chronic illness. Blood is also used for:
- Emergency trauma care
- Treatment of cancer and blood disorders
- Organ transplants
- Complications during labour
- Burn injuries
- And more
Why People Hold Back
Most people say they don’t donate because they’re:
- Afraid of needles
- Unsure if they’re eligible
- Haven’t gotten around to it
But here’s the truth:
- It’s safe
- It takes about 30 minutes
- You get a free mini-health check every time
- And it could save up to three lives
“If every eligible South African donated just twice a year, we would never have a shortage,” says Joffe. “You’re not just giving blood — you’re giving hope.”
How to Become a Donor
To donate blood, you need to:
- Be aged 16 to 75
- Weigh more than 50kg
- Be in good general health
- Lead a low-risk lifestyle
Still unsure? Visit sanbs.org.za or stop by a mobile blood drive for a chat. The staff will guide you every step of the way.
Let Your Blood Be Someone’s Lifeline
I don’t write this as the editor; today, I write this as someone who knows firsthand that every drop matters.
Don’t wait for a crisis to realise how vital blood is. Be the reason a child survives surgery, a mother recovers from labour, or someone like me gets a second chance.
Give blood. Give life.
More info:
www.unuhealth.org
www.sanbs.org.za
Leave a Reply