BLOOD DONATION…ONE LIFE FOR ANOTHER
Written by: Zama Ngcoya
Although the concept of blood donation is one that has been heard many a time, it is still one not tacit or adhered to by many. There are innumerable reasons why some people do not give blood, however. The most shared reasons include the failure to understand the significance and processes of donating blood, the act not being in sync with one’s personal or religious beliefs, and for some, not qualifying to donate blood due to various health reasons.
According to NHS Choice, blood donation involves collecting blood from a donor so it can be used to treat someone else who is in need of it.
For some, the 14th of June is just an ordinary day. It is one which they use to unwind, or go about on their daily lives. For others, June the 14th is of great significance. It is the day of the year where they gather to inform, educate, and celebrate life.
The 14th of June is observed as World Blood Donor Day (WBDD). This particular day was established as one which would be commemorated every year to raise awareness of the need for safe blood, and the comprehensive celebration of the many people in all corners of the world who selflessly give their blood to save lives of those who are in dire need of blood donations.
According to WebMD, blood can be defined as a constantly circulating fluid providing the body with nutrition, oxygen, and waste removal. Blood is mostly liquid, with numerous cells and proteins suspended in it, making blood “thicker” than pure water. The average person has about 5 litres (more than a gallon) of blood.
With that having been established, the importance of blood in one’s body, is one which cannot be ignored or overlooked.
According to Public Relations Practitioner, Neelashan Govender, of the South African National Blood Services (SANBS), a non-profit organisation that provides human blood for transfusion which operates in South Africa, blood donation is of great significance.
“Blood goes to patients in need. Just one pint of blood can save up to three lives,” said Govender.
Although blood donation from selfless donors is acceptable, there are mandatory requirements which one has to meet in order to qualify for donating blood.
“In order to donate blood, a person has to be between the ages of 16 to 65, weigh over 50kg, have a light meal before donating, be fit and well, and most importantly lead a sexually safe and healthy lifestyle,” added Govender.
When one donates their blood, 450ml of blood are collected. The most common recipients of the blood collected are accidents victims, mothers who are going through childbirth, cardiac patients, gynaecological and paediatric as well as cancer patients, and many other recipients of different cases can be included.
The SANBS has put efforts in place as a means to attract donors from all walks of life.
“We have made a considerable impact in attracting black donors,” said Govender.
“Regular advertisements are made through the various media and social media platforms. We have a fix site blood donor centre in Umlazi Mega City. We do regular secondary school visits to township schools and communities,” he added.
For Andile Leoto, a regular blood donor at the SANBS, making a donation brings him great joy.
“It’s something I do every month. It feels great knowing that you’ve helped someone out there. I’ve got nothing to lose, within 24 hours the human body makes up for all the blood you give away. I am committed to it,” said a proud Leoto.
With a large number of African natives still sceptical about blood donation, Leoto advised that they consider it.
“There’s a lot of myths that black people believe in. Donating blood is not bad luck. There are a lot of accidents where people with severe injuries need blood and there is no other source for blood then us. With everyone having a blood type, you are a match to someone in need of it. It is just 500ml. Help a life,” he said.
For Ntombizethu Gcaba, a new blood donor, her biggest reward for donating blood came when she received a text saying she had saved lives.
“Donating blood is something I had always wanted to do. I always had the desire to help a person. A few days after donating, I received a message telling me that my blood saved three lives, and I got inspired to donate on a regular basis,” said Gcaba.
She admits that although she has recently started working, her schedule is pretty tight, but she will allocate time to go and donate as regularly as possible.
Govender urged South Africans to come forward and make a donation. He also commended those who have committed themselves to this act.
“Please consider the needs of others. At any moment in our lives, we can be faced with a situation where we require blood. Thousands of patients throughout the province would not be alive today it if were not for the selfless contribution of blood donors,” said Govender.