‘Drop of Life’ du’s blood donation campaign is a resounding success

268 du employees volunteered to donate blood in an internal blood donation campaign titled “Drop of Life”.  The initiative, which was conducted in collaboration with the Blood Donation Centre at Al Wasl Hospital in Dubai, was a resounding success. The drive was initiated by du as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts to assist the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in increasing the number of blood donations and donors in the emirate, as there is a growing need for more donations to match the increasing demand.

The donation drive took place at various du offices across Dubai, enabling du employees to donate blood conveniently.  60 percent of the donated blood will be used for Thalassemia patients, while the rest will be reserved for the Trauma Centre, which requires a daily volume of 150 bags of 450cc each.

An internal educational campaign was also run in parallel, to raise awareness about the benefits of donating blood and educating employees on the characteristics associated with their blood type. The educational campaign was also used as a platform to educate donors on how their blood donation would help Thalassemia patients.

“This initiative reiterates our commitment to the well-being of the community, and I would like to thank everyone who participated in this noble initiative. At the same time, we hope it created awareness about one of the most life threatening diseases today,” said Hala Badri, Executive Vice President, Brand and Communications, du.

“It is our sincere belief that each of us can make a difference and the success of our blood donation campaign proves we can indeed add life to life, together,” Badri concluded.

Thinks you need to know about blood donation:

One blood donation can save up to three lives. Depending on the patients' needs, your blood may be separated into several different components, which may be used to treat a variety of medical conditions or illnesses

Red Blood Cells: anaemia

Platelets: leukaemia, cancer

Plasma: blood clotting disorders

Cryoprecipitate: haemophilia 

Did you know?

Giving blood will NOT decrease your strength.

A newborn baby has about one cup of blood in his/her body.

You cannot get AIDS or any other infectious disease by donating blood.

There is no substitute for human blood.

There are 13 tests (11 for infectious diseases) that are carried out on each unit of donated blood.

Someone needs blood every two seconds.

Who is eligible to donate blood?

If you are between 18-60 years of age.

If you weigh at least 45kg.

If you feel healthy (should not have a cold or cough or the flu).

If you haven't donated blood for the past 90 days.

Avoid donating blood if:

You are under medication for high blood pressure.

You are under medication for cancer, heart or lung diseases.

You have abnormal bleeding tendency or blood disorder.

You have undergone major surgery in the last 12 months.

You have acquired AIDS, hepatitis B or C, syphilis.

You are pregnant, breastfeeding, and also if females are having irregular and/or heavy menstrual flow. 

Tips on donating blood

Have a good meal and plenty of liquids before donating blood.

Have some snacks after donation as it will help you to gain back the volume that you have donated.

Don’t smoke or drink hot liquids for a day before donating, which can cause your temperature to be falsely elevated.

Wear comfortable clothing.

You may feel nervous, especially if this is your first time donating blood.

Please do not drive directly after donating blood

Drink a lot of water, lunch/dinner after donating blood should be rich in proteins. All these things will help your body making brand new blood for you soon.

Take the rest of the day lightly.

What is Thalassemia?

The word Thalassemia originates from a Greek word ‘thalassa’ which means the sea, and “haima” which means blood. This was first recognised among the Greek people living around the Mediterranean Sea. This is misleading because the condition can be found in any part of the world.

Thalassemia is inherited disorders of haemoglobin (Hb) synthesis. Their clinical severity varies widely, ranging from asymptomatic forms to severe or even fatal entities.

In severe cases, Thalassemia patients are kept on regular blood transfusion every three to four weeks due to the severe anaemia. Nevertheless with transfusion another challenge occurs which is iron accumulation in the body. This excess iron is removed by certain drugs. The only cure for Thalassemia is bone marrow transplant from a fully matched compatible donor.