Western Cape – 24 August 2026: The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is urgently appealing to all blood donors to donate blood as blood stocks across the province are critically low.
WCBS aims to maintain a five-day blood supply to ensure that sufficient blood is available for patients in need. Currently, seven of the eight blood groups are below this target, with O positive and O negative at only a two-day supply. A positive, B negative and AB negative are currently at a three-day supply, while B positive and AB positive are at a four-day supply.
“Blood is needed every day and cannot be manufactured, which means we rely entirely on voluntary blood donors to ensure that blood is available when patients need it. We are asking all eligible donors, regardless of their blood group, to please make the time to donate blood,” says Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager at WCBS.
Hospitals transfuse blood every day to patients in need. It is used not only in emergencies and trauma cases, but also during childbirth, scheduled operations and in the treatment of patients with various illnesses.
If you are between 16 and 75 years old, weigh 50 kg 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 one donation can help save up to three lives.
“We need the support of our donors now to help restore blood stocks to a healthy five-day supply. If you are due to donate, or have been thinking about becoming a blood donor, now is the time to come forward,” adds Carli.
For more information or to find your closest blood donation clinic, visit www.wcbs.org.za, or send a WhatsApp to 060 549 7244. Scan the QR code below for any enquiries about blood donation. Be sure to follow our WhatsApp Channel, by scanning the QR code below.
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.
