DP World, UAE Region has marked the World Thalassemia Day by organising a day-long blood donation drive in which scores of its staff members participated. This year, the day included free blood test and education lecture for all DP World employees in association with Emirates Thalassemia Society and Dubai Thalassemia Center.
The initiative was part of the port operator’s on-going campaign to spread awareness about Thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder, and the collected blood was donated to the Dubai Thalassemia Centre at Al Wasl Hospital.
DP World, UAE Region regularly marks World Thalassemia Day to raise public awareness on how to prevent Thalassemia, which affects some 8.5 per cent (one out of 12 person is a carrier) of the people in the UAE. The event is held on May 20 every year and is aimed at sending home the message that life can be made more enjoyable, and living with Thalassemia can be made easier, through education and appropriate care.
Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, said:
“DP World, UAE Region is committed to working for the well-being of the society and we are proud of the campaign’s success, thanks to our employees who participated with enthusiasm in the blood donation initiative. Our goal is to bring improvement in the quality of life of those affected by Thalassemia, and add value to the community as a whole through a long term partnership with the Dubai Thalassemia Centre.”
DP World, UAE Region launched its long-term Thalassemia awareness campaign in 2008 with focussed programmes run in conjunction with the Dubai Thalassemia Centre.
Last year, the Middle East’s premier port operator designed and donated a revamped blood transfusion facility and a dedicated recreation area to the Centre.
