(Photo: @dthompsonza/Twitter)
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) celebrates its 25th anniversary on Friday with an anniversary event in Johannesburg.
Since the SANBS’s establishment in 2001, following the merger of six regional blood services that operated independently, the institution has become an essential pillar in South Africa’s health system.
Over the past quarter of a century, it has developed into an institution that enjoys worldwide prestige and is driven by scientific excellence, research, innovation and an unwavering commitment to safety and quality.
“This milestone belongs to the millions of South Africans who rolled up their sleeves to give a part of themselves so that someone else can live,” says Ravi Reddy, CEO of the SANBS.
“For 25 years, the SANBS has been supported by the generosity of ordinary South Africans who do something extraordinary. Behind every unit of blood is a human story of goodness, hope and a life that is saved.”
The SANBS is an independent, non-profit organization and a leader in blood transfusions. Apart from the Western Cape, the SANBS serves the other provinces in the country and also provides critical support to countries in the SADC region.
The organization provides more than one million world-class blood products annually and operates a wide network of donation centers on a daily basis, including more than 60 established centers and more than 100 mobile donation sites.
The SANBS aims to collect 3,500 units of blood daily to ensure a safe and sufficient supply for South Africa’s health system. Regular blood donations are extremely important, as one unit of blood only lasts for 42 days.
“This milestone is not just ours; it belongs to every donor, healthcare professional and life touched by our service. As we look forward, we remain committed to making sure no patient is left without the blood they need to survive,” says Reddy.