Latest news with #BloodBankServices
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Health
- Times of Oman
Oman joins countries around world to mark blood donor day
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman on Saturday joined countries around the world in celebrating World Blood Donor Day, which falls on June 14th every year. The day is held under the slogan: 'Donate Blood, Give Hope: Together We Save Lives.' The day is held to honour those who contribute to saving the lives of others through their voluntary and continuous blood donations, and to enhance community awareness of the importance of this noble humanitarian act. Mohsen bin Saif Al-Sharyani, Head of the Donor Affairs Section at the Blood Bank Services Department at the Ministry of Health, told the Oman News Agency: 'Last year, the Central Blood Bank in Bausher witnessed a 4 percent increase in the number of blood units compared to 2023. The number of blood units collected through the Ministry of Health's blood banks reached 83,694, with Omanis constituting 90 percent of the total donors.' He explained that the number of blood component donations last year at the Central Blood Bank in Bausher amounted to 2,636 donations, while the number of blood donation campaigns amounted to 381. He noted that 40 percent of blood donations were in the donation campaigns, while 60 percent were in the Central Blood Bank building in Bausher. He emphasised that 98 percent of donations were voluntary, reflecting a growing sense of social responsibility among individuals. The percentage of new donors reached 46 percent, demonstrating the expansion of the donor community. He added that the blood types most in demand in the Sultanate of Oman vary according to clinical conditions, explaining that type O- is the most important in emergency cases, as it can be given to any patient, regardless of their blood type. He pointed out that blood donation is a fundamental pillar of support for the health sector in the Sultanate of Oman, particularly with regard to organ transplants carried out recently. He emphasised that these operations rely heavily on the availability of blood components, particularly platelets, due to their vital role in maintaining the stability of patients' health after transplantation. He explained that the continued flow of voluntary blood donations directly contributes to supporting such delicate and sensitive medical procedures. Blood transfusion services in the Sultanate of Oman are vital services that receive continuous support and monitoring from the Ministry of Health. All blood units undergo rigorous laboratory testing to ensure their safety and freedom from infectious diseases before being transferred to patients in need. Branch blood banks located throughout the Sultanate of Oman's governorates and referral hospitals receive blood donors to meet their blood type needs. Field donation campaigns are also organised periodically in government and private institutions, universities, and colleges, in cooperation with volunteer teams and community initiatives. Adel bin Ali Al-Maashari, Campaigns Supervisor of the Oman Blood Donor Team, told the Oman News Agency that blood donation campaigns constitute a vital link between blood banks and members of the community, as they effectively contribute to reaching a wide range of citizens and residents in various locations such as universities, shopping malls, and government and private institutions. He pointed out that these campaigns are not limited to collecting blood units, but rather play a significant role in raising awareness and health education. He emphasised that blood donation campaigns are an effective awareness platform for disseminating accurate medical information about the benefits of blood donation, in addition to correcting misconceptions and encouraging community participation. He said that one of the campaigns the team recently implemented in the Wilayat of Saham attracted more than 800 blood donors, reflecting growing community awareness of the importance of blood donation and individuals' engagement with the awareness messages conveyed by these campaigns. By adopting sustainable health policies, the Sultanate of Oman seeks to achieve self-sufficiency in safe blood units by expanding the base of regular donors, promoting a culture of repeat donations, and intensifying awareness campaigns. The Ministry of Health calls on all citizens and residents of the Sultanate of Oman to continue supporting this humanitarian mission, as it directly saves the lives of others and promotes the spirit of solidarity and human connection, in addition to the health and psychological benefits accruing to the donors themselves.
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Health
- Al Etihad
A life saving act: SEHA highlights role of Blood Bank Services on World Blood Donor Day
14 June 2025 15:30 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)On the occasion of World Blood Donor Day, annually marked on June 14, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, (SEHA), the UAE's largest public healthcare network, reaffirmed the importance of voluntary blood donation and the emirate's commitment to safe transfusion Bank Services, managed by SEHA with the supervision of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), is a nationally significant strategic initiative, adhering to international best practices to ensure the community's essential part of this initiative is Abu Dhabi Blood Bank Services (ADBBS), which provides blood and blood products to health facilities throughout Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, ensuring that safe, high-quality donations are available to meet the needs of both patients on a daily basis and emergency response. Speaking to Aletihad , Dr. Hamad Saif Saeed Al Nuaimi, Allied Health Manager – Blood Bank Services, highlighted how SEHA is enhancing donation efforts by leveraging innovative technologies, focused outreach, and robust community involvement to address both routine and urgent transfusion requirements. 'Blood Bank Services maintains year-round blood availability through consistent donation drives, strategic planning, strong hospital coordination, and a robust donor database,' Dr. Al Nuaimi said.'Seasonal campaigns and emergency preparedness plans help meet both routine and urgent demands."On the latest technological advancements enhancing donor safety and efficiency, he highlighted the adoption of digital registration, advanced donor screening systems, and upgraded testing technologies - all of which streamline the process and uphold the highest safety on how the UAE's approach to voluntary donation has changed over the past decade, Dr. Al Nuaimi said that the UAE has transitioned towards a more community centred, education driven model.'Increased collaboration with public and private entities, digital awareness campaigns, and recognition programmes have significantly improved donor engagement and retention," he attract first-time donors, the blood bank relies on a blend of outreach strategies."Community events, mobile donation units, partnerships, and awareness campaigns linked to national days and health observances have proven effective in encouraging first time donors, especially when combined with engaging educational content," Dr. Al Nuaimi the management of rare blood type donations, Dr. Al Nuaimi explained that the Blood Bank maintains a dedicated registry and utilises a Frozen RBC Programme."Blood Bank Services maintains a registry of rare blood type donors and coordinates with national networks to ensure rapid response in critical cases. Donations are often frozen and stored for future use through the Frozen RBC Programme." Youth EngagementAs a cornerstone of SEHA's long-term strategy, youth are engaged through the 'You Are the Future' programme, with the Blood Bank partnering with schools to raise awareness. "Youth engagement is vital to building a sustainable donor base. Through the 'You Are the Future' programme, Blood Bank Services partners with schools to educate students about the importance of blood donation and community service. The programme empowers youth to become future donors and ambassadors by involving them in awareness campaigns, interactive sessions, and volunteering opportunities — fostering a strong culture of giving from an early age."The service also works closely with hospitals and emergency teams to address urgent transfusion explained that Blood Bank Services is collaborating with hospitals and emergency services to meet urgent transfusion needs."Blood Bank Services works in close coordination with hospitals, trauma units, and emergency response teams to forecast needs, supply rare units quickly, and maintain a ready inventory of blood products," Dr. Al Nuaimi said."Dedicated logistics support ensures timely delivery in emergencies."To expand accessibility, particularly in remote areas, new efforts are underway."Plans include increasing mobile blood drive coverage in rural areas and outlying communities, and enhancing scheduling flexibility to facilitate appointments in underserved areas. Also, a collection site has been opened in Al Dhafra Region (Madinat Zayed) to reach the population in this area," he said. Recognising Committed Donors"Regular donors are honoured through appreciation events, reward programmes, and national recognition initiatives like the Apheresis Hero of the Year and World Blood Donor Day. They are also kept informed through personalised messages and engaged in community stories." As a final message to the community on World Blood Donor Day, Dr. Al Nuaimi said: "Every drop counts. Today is a reminder that your selfless act can mean the difference between life and death for someone in need. By donating blood, you are not just saving lives, you're building a stronger, more compassionate community."According to data from Abu Dhabi Blood Bank Services, the number of blood donors in Abu Dhabi rose to 47,841 in 2022, marking a 41% increase compared to donors collectively contributed 59,167 units of blood, playing a vital role in saving lives. Furthermore, 1,006 platelet donors provided a total of 10,041 platelet units.
