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Kuwait launches 10th national blood donation campaign to honor martyrs, promote unity

Kuwait launches 10th national blood donation campaign to honor martyrs, promote unity

Arab Times3 days ago
KUWAIT CITY, July 31: Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi on Thursday launched the 10th edition of the national blood donation campaign titled 'Together Forever, a Wall for the Homeland,' marking the 35th anniversary of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. The three-day campaign honors the memory of Kuwait's martyrs and aims to strengthen national unity across government, military, and civil society sectors.
In a statement at the launch, Dr. Al-Awadhi described the campaign as a message of loyalty and gratitude to those who gave their lives for the nation. He emphasized that donating blood is both a humanitarian duty and a symbol of national solidarity, encouraging citizens and residents to donate at the Central Blood Bank in Jabriya and other Ministry of Health facilities across the country.
'Donating a drop of blood saves a life,' the minister said, revealing that over 100 blood bags were collected within the first two hours of the campaign—an unprecedented turnout. He also expressed appreciation for the early participation of military personnel, underlining the significance of their involvement.
Dr. Al-Awadhi noted that the ministry currently holds a stock of around 32,000 units of blood and platelets, with the goal of expanding reserves through regular national campaigns.
The Ministry of Interior reiterated its support through the participation of its staff across all sectors. Colonel Yousef Mirshed, Assistant Director General for Security Relations and Media, said the campaign reflects the ministry's commitment to both security and humanitarian roles. 'This initiative comes in remembrance of our martyrs and highlights our responsibility to serve society beyond the security field,' he said.
Colonel Mirshed added that the ministry's contribution reinforces the culture of voluntary blood donation, which is essential for saving lives and upholding noble humanitarian values.
Director of Blood Transfusion Services, Dr. Reem Al-Roudhan, said the campaign—now in its 10th year—aims to foster a culture of voluntary blood donation while supporting the country's strategic blood reserves. She praised the consistent involvement of the Ministries of Defense, Interior, and National Guard, as well as civil society and private sector institutions.
Dr. Al-Roudhan emphasized that the campaign is part of broader year-round efforts to raise public awareness, promote community partnership, and highlight the life-saving importance of blood donation. She recalled that the ninth edition of the campaign collected 500 blood bags in one day and expects similar outcomes this year. Last year alone, approximately 95,000 units of blood were collected, showing an annual increase of 4 percent.
The campaign will continue until August 2 and serves as a national call for altruism, unity, and support for Kuwait's healthcare system.
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