450,000ml expected at Janadriyah blood donation drive

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health said it expects its blood donation drive will received 450,000 milliliters (ml) of blood when the Janadriyah festival ends on Feb. 19.
Khalid Ibrahim Zobaie, who supervises the blood donation project, said the drive is important since the Kingdom had earlier banned the importation of blood from other countries. He also cited the need for blood due to the current situation on the Kingdom’s southern border which is being secured by Saudi troops.
He added that these troops risk their lives for the country and their religion.
“However, they may need blood if they are injured in the performance of their duty. If and when that happens the blood collected during the festival could come in handy,” he said.
He commended the youth for their enthusiastic response to the blood donation drive at the festival, which is set to end six days from now.
“There are so many young people visiting the Janadriyah festival daily. Their turnout is remarkable,” he said.
He noted that while older visitors are willing to donate, their young counterparts are enthusiastic as they’re idealistic and love to contribute to a noble cause.
“Besides, they do it not only for idealism and patriotism, but also to have better health,” he said.
He said that during the first four days of the Janadriyah festival, 100 youngsters donated for the campaign in appreciation of the Saudi troops patrolling the Kingdom’s southern border.
“During those first four days, the campaign had an average 25 donors a day and we received 50,000ml,” he said.
The ministry and the Directorate of Health Affairs are collaborating in the blood donation drive, which has allocated 100 bags.
“We’re hoping to collect from 30,000-450,000ml of blood. Each one of the bags contains 450ml,” he said.