Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ Blood Centre on Monday appealed for blood donations, warning that supplies must be continuously replenished to meet daily demand of around 350 units.
Head of the Blood Centre Androula Panayiotou urged people who have not yet left for summer holidays, or who have already returned, to donate blood.
August donation shortfall
Panayiotou said donations typically decline in August as many regular donors are away on holiday.
The Blood Centre opened its donation stations over the weekend and received a positive response from the public, she said. However, she warned that stocks would begin to fall again unless donations continued in the coming days.
“The military gave us significant support last week, but we need the backing of society as a whole,” Panayiotou said, adding that the centre particularly needs new donors.
Growing demand
Panayiotou said demand for blood does not decrease during holiday periods, as illnesses, accidents and patients requiring regular transfusions continue.
Daily demand has more than doubled since the Covid-19 pandemic, increasing from around 150 units to approximately 350 units, she said.
She attributed the increase to a higher number and greater complexity of surgical procedures in public and private hospitals, which require larger quantities of blood.
Panayiotou also said that patients with thalassaemia are living longer and therefore require transfusions for longer periods.
