S.S. Lootah Group organizes blood donation campaign

Held at their headquarters under the theme 'Give blood, give life' with the aim to support and assist children with 'Thalassemia' disease, one of the most common recessive blood diseases in the UAE.

Eng. Yahya Lootah, Vice Chairman of S.S. Lootah Group commented, 'We recognize the importance of private sector participation in fighting such illnesses to build a healthier nation. Thus we realize the importance of spreading awareness about little known conditions like 'Thalassemia' and responsibility of the people by participating in such activities that contribute to humanitarian relief for patients, especially children. Hence, this bi-annual campaign is part of our committed CSR initiatives.'

'We are grateful to our partner in this initiative, Al Wasl hospital which provides advanced care for patients with thalassemia through a specialised thalassemia centre, which is one of its kind in the UAE' added Eng. Yahya Lootah.

The campaign was hugely successful with participation from the staff that saw the collection of 55 units of blood. This was the third such campaign organized and the company is committed to continue this endeavour towards building a healthier society.

'Thalassemia' is a genetic defect that results in reduced rate of synthesis of one of the 'globin' chains that make up hemoglobin. This reduced synthesis causes the formation of abnormal hemoglobin molecules, which in turn causes 'anemia' which is the characteristic symptom of Thalassemia. There is no cure for Thalassemia; the best treatment available today consists of frequent blood transfusions (every two to three weeks).