DIFC hosts blood donation campaign

As part of the campaign, the UAE Genetic Diseases Association has also offered free and confidential testing for the genetic blood disease Thalassaemia.

Abdulla Al Awar, Managing Director of the DIFC Authority said:

"The DIFC was proud to host an event that allowed individuals to donate their blood to help save lives in the region. Many people depend on the blood gathered at events such as this and we are happy that the DIFC community has embraced this opportunity to give back to society."

Ms. Nadia Kalantar, of the Blood Donation Centre at Al Wasl Hospital added: "The Blood Donation Centre needs at least 200 pints of blood every day just to operate, and this amount is increasing. We welcome the support of the DIFC on our mission to ensure that there is sufficient blood available for all who may need it.

Dr Maryam Matar, Executive Director of the UAE Genetic Diseases Association, said: "In line with the UAE federal government's vision to make the country free from Thalassaemia by 2012, we welcome the support of the DIFC on the 'UAE Free of Thalassaemia' campaign. We offered free testing for Thalassaemia, the DIFC is reaffirming its commitment to raising awareness and reducing the incidence of Thalassaemia, which can be a terrible and debilitating disorder to live with."

Thalassaemia is a hereditary disorder characterized by defective production of haemoglobin, leading to low production and over-destruction of red blood cells.

The clinical severity of Thalassaemia varies greatly depending on the exact nature of the genes that a person inherits.

A percentage of the blood collected at the donation clinic will be used to treat children suffering from the disease.