The Belgian Red Cross has launched a new appeal for blood donations.
The humanitarian organisation said on Sunday that "stocks are currently too low and attendance at collections at half mast," which portends great difficulties to come for blood stocks, supplying hospitals and caring for the sick."
The Red Cross fears that the coming weeks and months will be "very difficult, if not impossible" to manage if the situation does not improve.
A minimum of 1,500 blood bags are required. The Red Cross is therefore asking donors not to postpone their appointments and hopes for a massive mobilisation of people in response to its call.
To make a blood donation in a fixed centre, a prior appointment is necessary, while access to mobile collection centres is generally open.
Appointments can be made quickly through the website www.donneurdesang.be.
