Just over 1% of South Africans donate blood. Although this number seems low, it is really quite amazing given that about 30% of potential donors are excluded due to high rates of HIV and Hepatitis infections, which excludes about 30% of potential donors.
This compared to approximately 2.5% of the population in Switzerland, across a much healthier population.
This "just over 1%" is an increase from "just below 1%". It has raised the blood stocks enough to increase "cover" (time for testing, collecting, storage, stocks, transport, administering) from 1 to 2 days (as it was previously) up to 6 or 7 days.
Now plans are afield to transport blood using drones. This would be a huge step forward, given how large the country is, and how vast the rural, inaccessible areas. Drones are fast, can land precisely and are therefore far superior to a previously used method of dropping blood in rural areas from an aeroplane, by mini parachute. And of course far cheaper than delivery by helicopter. In addition, the technology for the box to be attached to the drone is now improved to allow better control of the conditions (cooling, heating, G-force).
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/busine...-blood-drones/ https://iono.fm/e/717441 (well-made podcast about the technology and its advantages)
Blood donations transported by drones
https://www.itweb.co.za/content/KWEBbvyaEGYvmRjO
The technology has been tested and is ready. Plans are now being discussed between the blood bank and the aviation authorities, to try to reserve a certain air-space so that these drones can go "live" and save lives.
Linear Mode
