GIFT NDOLWANE
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has praised women for donating blood over the years.
Of the 1 million units collected per year, 57 percent is donated by women.
“Women are the backbone and bedrock of our nation. That’s why at SANBS we appreciate their contribution to ensuring that we can maintain an adequate and safe blood supply for all South Africans,” says SANBS spokesperson, Vanessa Raju.
Raju said women were donating despite being more prone to deferrals from donating blood due to pregnancy, menstruation and conditions like anaemia.
Among the biggest contributors is 75-year-old Eleanor Joubert who has kept 252 donation appointments since 1959. She donates every 56 days.
The mother-of-four is delighted to be honoured by SANBS for reaching this milestone and impacting on the lives of hundreds of people and their families.
She says she started donating after someone came to her office and educated them about blood donation.
“After the talk I felt inspired to donate and from the first time I was hooked and I am proud that I have helped so many people.”
Jourbert’s donations are likely to have improved the quality of life of 750 individuals over the years, including cancer patients, mothers who haemorrhage at birth and accident victims.
SANBS has a daily target to collect about 3 000 units to meet the demand for this life-saving resource.
Each unit of blood collected is estimated to benefit about three people with varying medical needs.
– Guardian
