More than 4,700 people take part in Dubai blood donation drive

As many as 4,764 donors have taken part in the Dubai Health Authority’s (DHA) latest blood donation campaign.

The ninth drive ran from November 23 until December 10.

The My Blood for My Country campaign, was launched 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.

It targeted individuals, as well as government and private entities, with the aim of encouraging the public to raise awareness about the importance of donating.

Dr Farida Al Khaja, CEO of DHA’s Clinical Support Services and Nursing Sector, stressed that the drive succeeded in encouraging Emirati nationals and residents to give the "gift of life" by donating blood.

Al Khaja said, "The campaign has proven its success this year, as despite the ongoing pandemic 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."

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