Cape Town, 17 March 2026 – The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is urgently appealing to all blood donors to come forward and donate blood as soon as possible. The service has seen a decline in all blood groups and currently has only a 2-day supply of O-negative blood, while a minimum of 5 days is required to ensure a sustainable blood supply for all communities in the Western Cape.
For the past two weeks, O-negative blood stock has been under severe pressure, with a concerning decline now being seen across other blood groups. This is especially critical ahead of the upcoming Easter weekend, a period that typically sees an increase in accidents and emergencies, while fewer regular donors are available to give blood.
“O-negative blood is often used in life-threatening emergencies when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type. We are calling on all blood donors to donate blood this week to help restore our blood stocks to a healthy level,” says Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager at WCBS.
If you are between 16 and 75, weigh 50kg or more, are in good general health, and lead a safe sexual lifestyle, you should be able to donate. A blood donation takes only 30 minutes, and every unit collected helps maintain the province’s essential blood supply.
“If you have been thinking about becoming a blood donor, now would be a great time to start donating,” added Carli. “Whether you are an existing donor or donating for the first time, your donation could save a life when it matters most.”
To find your closest blood donation clinic, visit www.wcbs.org.za or contact WCBS via WhatsApp at 060 549 7244.
Distributed by the Western Cape Blood Service
Public Relations Manager – Marike Carli
0718563625 | marike@wcbs.org.za
About the Western Cape Blood Service:
The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is a non-profit regional health organisation, dedicated to collecting blood from voluntary blood donors, and providing the safest blood products and efficient service to the community, while operating at the highest professional and ethical standards and remaining a viable organisation. WCBS works without prejudice to supply safe blood and blood products to all communities in the region, from Cape Town all the way up to George. It’s our goal to deliver a world-class blood service in the Western Cape.
