26-05-2025
Largest blood drive returns for 27th year
TDT | Manama
Bahrain's largest blood donation initiative, the Imam Hussein (PBUH) Blood Donation Campaign, will mark its 27th edition this year under the slogan 'Blood in Your Name', with preparations already underway. Scheduled to take place on the 8th and 9th of Muharram, the campaign will once again be hosted at Al Hilal Medical Center - Manama Central, in partnership with Al Hilal Healthcare Group and in coordination with the Ministry of Health.
Dr Fadel Al-Nasheet, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, expressed appreciation for the support of the Ministry of Health, led by Her Excellency Dr Jalila bint AlSayed Jawad Hassan.
He also thanked Al Hilal Healthcare Group for hosting the campaign for a second year, highlighting its role in strengthening community partnerships.
The committee has been holding coordination meetings with Al Hilal officials to finalise preparations, including upgrades to the electronic appointment system to ensure a smoother donation process.
Dr Al-Nasheet said the overwhelming response each year reflects Bahrainis' deep-rooted generosity and interfaith solidarity during Ashura, inspired by the legacy of Imam Hussein (PBUH).
Dr Sharath Chandran, CEO of Al Hilal Healthcare Group, said the group is proud to host the campaign again, underlining its commitment to community service.
He said the group's teams would spare no effort in making the event successful, stressing that blood donations can transform lives and preserve a noble tradition of helping others in hardship.
Enduring legacy
The campaign began in 2000 as a grassroots initiative led by residents of Al-Naeem and the Naim Charitable Society (formerly Naim Charitable Fund), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
It has since grown into a national movement that has supplied 16,526 blood bags to the Central Blood Bank, including 49 bags from a special edition held in December 2024.
The event continues to be one of Bahrain's most enduring symbols of humanitarian unity, carrying forward the values of sacrifice and service championed by Imam Hussein (PBUH).
