RIYADH: The King Abdul Aziz Medical City at the Ministry of National Guard (MNG) has launched a blood donation drive at the Riyadh International Book Fair.

“The campaign, titled “We sacrifice our blood for the protectors of the homeland,” is being held for the Saudi troops securing the southern borders of the Kingdom,” said Dr. Bandar Qanawi, executive director of health affairs at the National Guard.

He was referring to Saudi troops assigned in Najran, Asir and Jazan.

“A mobile blood bank, equipped with state-of-the art medical technology, has been provided for the campaign,” he said.

The campaign collects 30 units of blood a day, said Qanawi, adding: “We can collect more for the protectors of the homeland.”

Qanawi said that he was hoping the example shown by those who have donated would also arouse the interest of others to donate for the campaign.

He said that last year, 36,000 units were donated but only 27,000 were used.

“We are keen to educate visitors and participants in the blood donation campaign on the importance of knowledge and safety procedures to ensure the integrity of donated blood. We do this through leaflets containing the necessary medical information.”