Blood banks face shortage of crucial blood type ahead of Easter

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is facing serious shortage of type O blood with just over a day and a half supply in its blood banks across the country.

The blood donor organisation has appealed to citizens to make donations as a matter of urgency and become regular blood donors.

The organisation says the crisis will put more pressure on the national blood supply with the long Easter weekend approaching. Many South Africans are expected to embark on long distance driving which leads to an increase of road accidents.