'Give Blood, Gift Life' campaign to support 'Thalassemia'

The campaign is part of S.S. Lootah's CSR initiatives in line with the company's focus on the importance of private sector participation in fighting such illnesses to build a healthier nation, by spreading awareness about conditions like 'Thalassemia' and responsibility of the people by participating in such activities that contribute to humanitarian relief for patients, especially children.

Ms Naema Al Hamrani, Coordinator for Internal Events at S.S. Lootah commented, 'The campaign has been hugely successful with participation from majority of the staff. This is the fourth such campaign organized where more than 60 units of blood were collected. With full support from our Management, we are committed to continue this initiative in line with our social objectives'.

Al Wasl hospital provides advanced care for patients with thalassemia through a specialised thalassemia centre, which is one of its kind in the UAE.

'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).