Latest news with #WorldDonorDay
Observer
20 hours ago
- Health
- Observer
'Your blood donation means life to others'
Muscat: June 14 is observed as World Donor Day and in Oman, the Department of Blood Bank Services under the Ministry of Health has been conducting a campaign on the importance of donating blood. Community drives were also organised on the same day. On this day, blood banks around the world celebrate the heroes of life who give hope with blood. The theme for World Blood Donor Day 2025 is 'Blood connects us all: share a blood donation, save a life.' 'With every bag of blood you donate, you give a new chance to three people eagerly awaiting hope and bring a smile to their families' faces,' stated the campaign from Khoula Hospital. More than 100 million donations are collected annually in 170 countries. The Sultanate of Oman is one of the leading countries in blood donation campaigns. 'The Sultanate of Oman is a pioneer in efforts to promote a culture of donation and enhance safe stocks,' stated Oman's Blood Bank Services. Regular donations help save lives, support medical operations and care for mothers and children. Sami al Zedjali, who has a career in the banking sector; and enjoys biking and travelling, has been donating blood for 20 years. 'It has become such a natural part of my life that I hardly think twice about it. What motivates me? Knowing that a small act on my part can literally save someone's life, even if I never meet them. There's a quiet joy in that,' he said. When asked what he would like to tell others, he replied, 'It's easier than you think (the needle pinch lasts seconds; the impact lasts a lifetime). Your blood is always needed — someone, somewhere, is praying for it right now. You'll walk out feeling lighter (in your heart, not just your veins!)." The campaign on Saturday emphasised that in every bag of blood you donate, you give a new chance to three people eagerly awaiting hope and draw a smile on the faces of their families. There are 12,700 donation centres worldwide, but there is always a demand. Joining in the initiative, the Indian Social Club conducted a blood donation drive at the central blood bank in the Wilayat of Bausher; and the campaign was inaugurated by G V Srinivas, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman. Earlier this month, the Central Blood Bank announced that it needed 12 platelet donors to meet the needs of patients and support health institutions. Platelet donation is a new hope for patients who need you. Some of the conditions that have to be considered before donating blood are the facts that the weight of the donor must not be less than 50 kg, the donor's age must be between 18 and 65 years old; and blood pressure and hemoglobin must be within the normal range. The blood bank is open for donors from Saturday to Thursday from 8 am to 8 pm; and on Friday from 8 am to 2 pm.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
World Blood Donor Day: Who can donate blood? Myths and facts to know
Image credits: Getty Images Every drop of blood counts when it is given to someone struggling for life. What might just be a regular donation for you, could help a person continue their life alongside their loved ones in good health. Being a donor is more than just performing a civic duty, it is being a giver, one who shares a bit of their life with the others. June 14th is being celebrated as World Donor Day around the world, urging people to donate blood and enlightening them about the importance of it. However, sometimes we hesitate to donate due to some myths we have heard around by people. Who can donate blood and what are some common myths and facts related to blood donation? Find out below! World Blood Donor Day Image credits: Getty Images Each year, June 14 is celebrated as World Blood Donor Day. The day raises awareness on the need of safe blood and blood products and as a gratitude to the voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood. The theme of World Blood Donor Day changes every year and for 2025 it is 'Give blood, give hope', honouring the hope one gives with every drop of blood. The day was started in 2004, followed by its formal designation as an annual event by the 58th World Health Assembly in 2005. It is celebrated particularly on June 14 to honour Karl Landsteiner, Austrian biologist and physician considered to be the "founder" of modern blood transfusion that saves thousands of lives every year. Who can donate blood? Image credits: Getty Images According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most people can give blood if they are healthy. Though there are some basic eligibility criteria. Age : People between the ages of 18 and 65 can donate blood. Weight : You have to weigh at least 50 kg to be able to donate blood. Health : You must be in good health while donating blood and avoid it if you are suffering from cold, flu, sore throat, cold sore, stomach bug or any other infection. Additionally, you can not donate if you don't meet the minimum haemoglobin level for blood donation. In some countries, the haemoglobin level of no less than 12.0 g/dl for females and 13.9g/dl for males is considered the threshold. Myths and facts to know about blood donation Image credits: Getty Images Those donating blood for the first time or after some new activity may face a problem with some myths circulating around about blood donations. These are the common myths and facts you must know before donating. Myth: People with tattoos or piercings can't donate People with fresh tattoos or piercings need to have a gap between their tattoos or piercings and blood donation. In the US, you need to wait for three months before donating in such a case, but the time period varies in different countries. Myth: I will feel weak or ill after the donation While you feel a bit lightheaded after donation, the fluids are recuperated in the body within 24 hours and the red cells fully regenerate within weeks. Myth: You can only donate with a certain blood type Every person who has a specific blood group might need blood in case of a medical condition. Thus, blood donation is not limited to a particular blood type. While O-negative is universal, every blood type comes in handy during emergencies. Myth: Vegetarians or vegans can't donate blood Healthy iron and haemoglobin levels are required for donating blood, no matter what kind of diet you follow. If you are someone suffering from iron deficiency then you could be temporarily deferred from donating but not because of a diet you consume. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Arab Times
a day ago
- Health
- Arab Times
Indians In Kuwait Donate Blood To Save Lives On World Blood Donor Day
KUWAIT CITY, June 14: Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to advancing its blood transfusion system by upgrading infrastructure, enhancing the training of medical and technical personnel, and expanding the national blood donor base. Speaking to reporters at the Cooperative Blood Transfusion Center in Adan during the launch of a blood donation campaign organized by the Indian community in honor of World Donor Day, Dr. Al-Awadhi emphasized the importance of voluntary blood donation. 'Blood donation is not merely a medical procedure; it is a profound expression of compassion, civic responsibility, and societal solidarity in the face of health challenges,' the minister stated. He noted that June 14 each year is observed globally to honor voluntary, unpaid blood donors whose contributions save lives and improve patient outcomes. This year's campaign, organized by the Indian Doctors Forum in the presence of the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, aims to promote a culture of voluntary blood donation as a civic duty. Dr. Al-Awadhi highlighted the 2025 World Donor Day theme, 'Donate Blood – Give Hope – Our Blood Together Saves Lives,' underscoring its message of hope and unity. He praised the national Blood Bank's efforts, which collected over 90,000 donations last year and produced nearly 150,000 blood units and more than 190,000 blood products. He extended his appreciation to all blood donors and volunteers, emphasizing Kuwait's continued leadership in humanitarian and healthcare initiatives. Indian Ambassador Dr. Adarsh Swaika also addressed the media, stating that the campaign was organized in collaboration with the Indian Doctors Forum to instill the values of blood donation and highlight its lifesaving impact. He commended the support of Dr. Al-Awadhi and praised the deepening health sector ties between India and Kuwait. 'The Indian community, one of the largest in Kuwait, is proud to contribute actively to health and environmental causes—from blood donation drives to beach cleanups and afforestation,' he added. Dr. Hanan Al-Awadhi, Supervisor of Medical Services and Acting Director of the Blood Transfusion Services Department, noted that this marks the second consecutive year the Indian Embassy has partnered with the Indian Doctors Forum for such a campaign. She estimated participation by around 200 donors this year. She lauded the contributions of Indian donors and volunteers from over 75 nationalities residing in Kuwait, all of whom regularly donate out of a shared belief in the importance of saving lives. Dr. Hanan stressed the role of such campaigns in strengthening Kuwait's strategic blood reserve and reaffirmed the ongoing need for donations to meet patient demand across hospitals.
