The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) will celebrate 25 years of operation this month, marking a milestone for an organisation that has become integral to the country’s healthcare system.
Since its establishment in 2001 through the amalgamation of six previously independent regional blood services, SANBS has provided blood and blood products to eight of South Africa’s nine provinces.
The organisation will host a commemorative event on 17 April, where Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi will deliver the keynote address.
Over the past quarter century, SANBS has evolved from a merged entity into what is now recognised as a globally respected institution focused on scientific excellence, research and innovation in blood services.
The service relies entirely on voluntary blood donations from South Africans to maintain a safe and sustainable blood supply for hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country.
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SANBS chief executive Ravi Reddy said the milestone belonged to the donors who have made the service possible.
“For 25 years, SANBS has been sustained by the generosity of ordinary South Africans doing something extraordinary. Behind every unit of blood is a human story of kindness, of hope, of life saved,” Reddy said.
“This milestone is not only ours; it belongs to every donor, every healthcare worker and every life touched by this service.”
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The organisation’s partnership with the Department of Health has been central to expanding access to blood services and strengthening healthcare response capabilities across the country.
Reddy said SANBS remains committed to ensuring equitable access to safe blood products for all patients.
“As we look to the future, we remain committed to ensuring that no patient is left without the blood they need to survive,” he said.
The commemorative event will bring together key stakeholders from the healthcare sector to reflect on the service’s achievements and future direction.
SANBS continues to focus on building a culture of voluntary blood donation and maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality in blood collection and processing.
For more information, follow SANBS on social media: X (@theSANBS), Facebook (@SANBS), Instagram (@thesanbs), and TikTok (@thesanbs)
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