WOMEN are being urged to join a blood drive being held today to mark the Ashoora festival.
Bahrain’s biggest blood donation camp, organised by the Naim Charity Fund, will take place at the Naim Health Centre.
It will open exclusively for women today from 2pm to 10pm under the patronage of Social Development Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi.
Men will be able to take part in the event tomorrow from 1pm to midnight, which is being held under the patronage of Health Minister Dr Faisal Al Hamer.
The 12th Imam Hussain Campaign for Blood marks the anniversary of the death of Imam Hussain, grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.
Gold sponsor of the campaign, being held under the theme Al Hussain: Humanity’s Inspiration, is Zain.
Last year, more than 1,000 donors registered for the event, out of which more than 850 people were able to donate blood.
“We are expecting many prominent women to attend the event,” said organising committee chairman Dr Ahmed Al Sekri.
“Invitations have been sent last week and we hope they will be able to attend.”
He said that more than 7,188 blood bags had been collected from the camp since it was launched 12 years ago.
Blood donations are allocated mainly to the Health Ministry’s Blood Bank, which is supervising the camp.
Mr Al Sekri said that many non-Muslims had donated blood over the years, with more being expected this year.
“Donating blood doesn’t take into consideration religion, the most important thing is that lives are saved,” he said.
A group of more than 200 volunteers will be present throughout the event to attend to donors.
The fund has printed brochures, posters and car stickers, which are being distributed to people across the country.
The fund will also distribute laptop accessories as gifts to donors.
Certificates with the donors’ photographs will be given on the spot.
The Bahrain Society of Sickle Cell Anaemia Patient Care will also be present at the centre to give people an insight on the importance of donating blood.
Gulf Daily