UAE – Dubai: Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), the leading global pharmaceutical company, jointly organized with Dubai Healthcare Authority (DHA) a blood donation drive at Dubai Science Park (DSP) a member of TECOM Group PJSC, aiming at encouraging the local community to donate blood and help save a life. The awareness campaign is part of BMS’s Global Patient Week, an annual tradition connecting patients to learn from their experience and sharing how the company is working to transform lives through science.
In its second official edition, the ‘Help Save A Life’ blood donation drive registered this year an increase in participants from the science-focused business district who eagerly contributed to the noble cause. The campaign, coinciding with Blood Cancer Awareness Month, presents an occasion to reinforce the importance of donating blood and its health benefits to both patients and donors.
30% of surveyed participants recognized they voluntary donate blood at least once a year, with half of them admitting they only donate when prompted for medical reasons or at the occasion of organized blood drives in their community or their workplace. Over 50% learned for the first time how a small act of solidarity consisting of donating one blood unit can save up to three lives. However, majority of participants agreed that such a humanitarian act is aligned with (or supports) the charitable values of the UAE and its efforts to sustain a healthy society.
Commenting on ‘Global Patient Week’ and the DSP blood donation drive, Oscar Delgado, General Manager of Bristol Myers Squibb – Middle East and Africa (BMS MEA) said:
“At Bristol Myers Squibb we have a shared passion for supporting patients and Global Patient Week represents a special moment for all of us. Connecting with actual patients gives us the opportunity to hear each other’s personal stories and learn about the positive impact we make in the life of patients.
We know there are people who suffer from different diseases requiring regular blood transfusions to manage their health such as B-Thalassaemia which is prevalent in the UAE and the region. As we are committed to supporting patients who are dependent on blood transfusions, we joined forces with DHA and DSP to give back to the community. We thank each partner for their unconditional support and for making this event a memorable day.”
Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Science Park said: “Considering our business ecosystem functions across the many disciplines of science, health and wellness are matters of top priority to us. Our community is made up of diverse professionals doing work that positively impacts people around the world, and voluntary blood donation is another important way to contribute to the betterment of society, which is why we are delighted to host this annual blood donation drive with our partners Bristol Myers Squibb and Dubai Healthcare Authority. Such humanitarian acts contribute to improving and saving lives whilst also instilling a culture of giving back, embodying the charitable values of the UAE. We would like to express our gratitude to our growing number of donors and supporters, as every drop matters.”
The Dubai Health Authority reported earlier this year that the ‘Dami Le Watani’ campaign (My Blood for My Country), held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, helped collecting 35,628 blood units since the beginning of this year and contributed to saving the lives of about 71,256 patients.
The ‘Help Save A Life’ blood donation drive is one of BMS MEA’s various collaborative awareness campaigns organised this year. Earlier on May 8, 2022, and to mark International Thalassaemia Day, the company lit up the iconic Burj Khalifa carrying message of support and solidarity for Thalassaemia patients and promoting awareness and understanding of the condition. Partners included the Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF), Emirates Health Services (EHS), Emirates Thalassemia Society (ETS), HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Humanitarian & Scientific Foundation and Sultan Bin Khalifa International Thalassemia Award.
