Noor Islamic Bank to organize second blood donation drive

Staff and visitors will donate blood from 9.00am to 2:30pm at the Bank's headquarters in Emaar Square, Building-1 on 29 April.

The campaign, to be held with the support of Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services, is part of the initiative to support the UAE's programme of eradicating the disease in the country by 2012.

Hussain Al Qemzi, Group CEO, Noor Islamic Bank, said:

"Thalassemia is a serious blood disorder that affects one in 16 Emiratis each year. It is a condition that is not confined to the sufferer alone, but affects the entire family as well. At Noor Islamic Bank, we are committed to playing our role in not only raising awareness about this genetic condition, but also lending our support by donating blood to organizations that help patients and their families."

The blood donation drive is part of the Bank's corporate social responsibility programme that supports community needs including special needs, breast cancer and charity initiatives.

The Blood Donation Centre in Al Wasl Hospital will receive the blood. The Centre performs various humanitarian duties such as providing blood for several Thalassemia children who are in constant need of transfusion every three to four weeks. The donations will also be used by cardiology patients who have undergone open heart surgeries, those suffering from leukemia and patients with other blood disorders.

Thalassemia is a genetic blood condition that is inherited by children from their parents. The condition limits the patient's ability to produce enough haemoglobin in the blood. Children born with Thalassemia usually develop symptoms of severe anaemia within their first year.