Dubai, UAE- 01 October 2024- In a notable effort to highlight the importance of blood donation and assist patients in need, Bristol Myers Squibb, a leading biopharmaceutical company, collaborated with the Emirates Thalassemia Society and Dubai Science Park, the region’s leading ecosystem for scientific research and development (R&D) that is part of TECOM Group PJSC, to host the fourth edition of their blood donation drive, ‘Help Save a Life’.

The initiative, coinciding with Blood Cancer Awareness Month, highlights the significance of blood donation for both recipients and generous donors. BMS organized the campaign as part of its annual Global Patient Week to forge connections with patients, learn from their stories, and give back to the community.

Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Emirates Thalassemia Society, said: “We commend Bristol Myers Squibb for organizing this significant blood donation drive as part of their Global Patient Week. Blood donors play an indispensable role in the fight against thalassemia and other blood disorders. Their generosity not only saves lives but also brings hope and relief to countless families facing the challenges of these conditions. At the Emirates Thalassemia Society, our mission is to improve the lives of those affected by thalassemia through awareness, education, and support. This partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb allows us to further this mission and underscores the importance of community involvement in healthcare initiatives”.

“Blood donation is a noble, humanitarian act that not only saves countless lives but also embeds resilience into the healthcare systems by facilitating emergency response, medical procedures, and R&D in the life sciences,” said Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Science Park part of TECOM Group.

Commenting about the success of the ‘Help Save A Life’ blood donation drive, Oscar Delgado, General Manager at Bristol Myers Squibb, Middle East & Africa, said: “Now in its fourth edition, the annual ‘Help Save a Life’ initiative highlights the value of our collective efforts and the commitment of BMS, Emirates Thalassemia Society, and the Dubai Science Park and to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals. An important moment in our Global Patient Week, the drive serves as an opportunity to highlight the act of donating blood, as a testament to our shared human values and our commitment to work together as a community to uplift the lives of those in need.’’

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Each year, BMS organizes a week of meaningful activities, which include inviting patients to the company’s facilities across the world to share their stories and meet the people who play a role in the treatment of their disease. This central element to Global Patient Week serves as a poignant reminder to BMS employees that the patient is always at the center of their work.

‘Help Save a Life’ was hosted at Dubai Science Park, part of TECOM Group’s portfolio of business districts that also includes Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Design District (d3), and Dubai Industrial City.