Original Research

COVID-19 impact on blood donation and blood product use in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality

Karishma Naicker, Divya Ranchod, Kenny Msiza, Itumeleng Mosebetsane, Motshidisi Thulo, Nkosazana Mabunda, Sbongile Nyembe, Thandiswa Mpambani, Claire L. Barrett
South African Family Practice | Vol 67, No 1 : Part 4| a6177 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/safp.v67i1.6177 | © 2025 Karishma Naicker, Divya Ranchod, Kenny Msiza, Itumeleng Mosebetsane, Motshidisi Thulo, Nkosazana Mabunda, Sbongile Nyembe, Thandiswa Mpambani, Claire L. Barrett | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 26 May 2025 | Published: 23 September 2025

About the author(s)

Karishma Naicker, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Divya Ranchod, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Kenny Msiza, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Itumeleng Mosebetsane, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Motshidisi Thulo, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Nkosazana Mabunda, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Sbongile Nyembe, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Thandiswa Mpambani, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Claire L. Barrett, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Blood donation rates in sub-Saharan Africa are historically low. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic amplified this challenge, leading to significant declines in blood donations.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on blood donation and utilisation in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM), South Africa, between April 2018 and March 2022.
Methods: A retrospective analytical study was conducted using data from the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) Business Intelligence System. Blood donations and product utilisation were analysed across different time periods, aligning with COVID-19-related restrictions.
Results: A substantial decrease in blood donations was observed during the pandemic. Blood collection decreased over all age groups but was particularly notable among younger donors (aged 15–39). Conversely, blood product utilisation increased across both public and private health care sectors during the pandemic.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on blood donation and utilisation in the MMM. To address future blood shortages, strategies are needed to encourage blood donation, optimise blood product utilisation and ensure equitable access to blood services.
Contribution: The study contributes to understanding the impact of COVID-19 on blood donation and utilisation patterns in sub-Saharan Africa, specifically in the MMM in South Africa.


Keywords

blood supply; blood donation; COVID-19; blood transfusion; health care

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

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