DHA concludes the 9th edition of “My Blood, For My Country” blood donation campaign

The Dubai Health Authority’s (DHA) Dubai Blood Donation Centre has concluded the 9th edition of the ‘Dami Le Watani’ (My Blood, For My Country) blood donation campaign. 

The campaign, which was created in 2012, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, concluded on December 10, 2020. 

The campaign targeted individuals as well as government and private entities with the aim of engaging the public to take part in the campaign and raise awareness about the importance of donating blood as part of the community’s national duty. 

Dr Farida Al Khaja, CEO of DHA’s Clinical Support Services and Nursing Sector stressed that the campaign, succeeded in encouraging Emirati nationals and residents to give the “gift of life” and donate blood to those in need. 

“The campaign has proven its success this year, as despite the ongoing pandemic that we are currently, it succeeded in attracting 4,764 blood donors and collecting 4,191 blood units from eligible donors who come from 75 different nationalities. Out of the 4,191 blood units donated, 2,375 were collected at the tent, which has been set up outside the Dubai Blood Donation Centre,” said Al Khaja. 

She said that the tent was set up as part of the precautionary measures taken during these unpresented times to further ensure social distancing and the safety of blood donors. 

The tent can smoothly process around 200 donors a day. It has a spacious waiting area and post-donation refreshment area. It is equipped with 12 beds and modern medical equipment. It also has a thermal camera and follows a frequent cleaning policy for beds and surfaces after each donor.  
To support the campaign’s goals, the DHA is also raised awareness about the importance and benefits of blood donation via its social media channels. 

Dr Hussain Al Samt, Director of DHA’s Pathology & Genetics Department thanked the public who took part in the campaign and contributed to saving the lives of those in need. He also thanked every member who contributed to the success of the campaign this year and since it was first launched in 2012. 

Dr Mai Raouf, Director of the Dubai Blood Donation Centre concluded by stressing that the Dubai Blood Donation Centre and its staff are committed to providing quality and safe services by ensuring that the services provided are up to internationals standards. She also thanked all blood donors, especially voluntary regular donors who spare no effort in giving the gift of life and donating blood to those in dire need for it.