On the occasion of World Blood Donor Day, the importance of donating blood echoes louder this year as the world faces an unfathomable health crisis and pandemic. A literal gift of life, blood is a precious resource that can save lives and assist in emergencies and medical treatments. We often don’t realize the value of blood donation until we or our loved ones need it.
Around 117.4 million units of donated blood are collected worldwide every year: 42 percent of these blood donations are collected in high-income countries, home to less than 16 percent of the world's population. Saudi Arabia’s nationals ranked first among 28 countries in terms of blood donation by 58 percent, according to a study of the UK's research organization «Ipsos MORI». The country benefits from one of the highest rates of repeat donors (91 percent) in the region. The World Health Organization reported that the ratio of repeat, voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation in Saudi Arabia stands at 65.3 percent,
It’s crucial to maintain a year-round flow of blood donations to ensure quick access to safe blood transfusion and save lives.
If you fit the below criteria then you’re eligible for blood donation.
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Be more than 17 years old
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Weigh more than 50Kg
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Have more than 12.5 in hemoglobin
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Pass the medical examination
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Did not donate blood in the past eight weeks.
King Abd Alaziz University Hospital, John Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centres, are examples of medical facilities you can visit to donate blood. Be sure to follow the Saudi Ministry of Health on Twitter to receive updates on blood drives across the country.
