“This is my first-time donating blood. Initially, I had a fear of donating, but after doing it, I realized how simple the process is. Next time, I won’t have any fear about donating blood. I had been trying to donate blood for many years but never got the opportunity. Today, Badriya Friends UAE provided the platform for me to donate. This simple process of donating blood is something I will continue in the future,” said Imthiyaz Basheer Ahmed, Purchasing Manager at Abu Ghazalah Trading Company. Imthiyaz was one of the first-time donors during the blood donation campaign successfully organized by ‘Badriya Friends UAE’.
Badriya Friends, a team of Indian expatriates, has been organizing blood donation campaigns in the UAE for many years. On January 12, a successful blood donation drive took place at the DHA Headquarters in Dubai. The team effectively gathered the public for this noble cause, organizing the donation drive from 1 PM to 4 PM. People of all ages, both men and women, took part in this voluntary work, using their Sunday leave to contribute to this great charity initiative. Donors expressed their gratitude for the assistance provided by the experts at the DHA Headquarters and the members of Badriya Friends UAE.
Lifesaving initiative
Like Badriya Friends, many expatriate groups in the UAE have been organizing blood donation camps for decades. When asked about the motivation behind these blood donation campaigns, Nazeer Ahmed Bikarnakatte, former president of Badriya Friends, shared, “First of all, we need to understand the importance of blood donation. We have seen many people suffering due to a shortage of blood. In today’s world, we can find alternatives for many things—artificial oxygen, even artificial organs are becoming available. But at the same time, there is no replacement or alternative for blood donation.”
“We must recognize that blood is not uniform. Every individual has a different type—B positive, A positive, AB positive, O negative. God has created us uniquely, each with distinct characteristics. Therefore, it is not easy to artificially replicate blood. It must come from a person. We understood the gravity of blood shortages, as many lives have been lost due to insufficient supply. This realization led us to recognize a noble cause: by donating blood, we can save countless lives. Just one bottle of blood, which is 400 ml, can save up to three lives,” he added.
“When can I donate again?”
During the blood donation drive, a couple was seen joyfully participating and supporting each other through the process. They also marked a unique celebration of the husband’s birthday by donating blood, epitomizing the spirit of becoming invisible heroes.
“I’m happy knowing that I’ve done something good. I hope everything goes well. After the screening, I know my blood will help someone’s life,” shared Jonalyn Candelaria, a second-time blood donor and Real Estate Manager at a company in Dubai.
She continued, “It’s my husband’s birthday today, and it’s his first time donating blood. By doing so, he’s been given an extension of life, and we hope to offer the same to others.”
Offering hope, Jonalyn added, “I asked the nurse when I could donate again, and they told me after two months. I’m willing to return and do this as often as it’s feasible. Donating blood is for everyone who meets the age range and criteria. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a woman or a man. If you’re willing to donate and help others, let’s do it. I have done it, and this is my second time—I’m ready to do it again.”
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Benefits of donating blood
Donating blood, whether for physical or mental health, offers several benefits to the body. Many people hesitate to donate due to misconceptions, lack of moral support and unaware of the advantages of blood donation.
Shivamalatesha Devapura, a phlebotomist in Dubai, explained, “Blood donation is highly beneficial for health, particularly in preventing heart-related conditions such as heart attacks and blockages. Regular donation can help maintain overall health by keeping blood sugar and blood pressure levels within normal ranges.”
He also noted, “Female donors should have a hemoglobin level of at least 12.5 g/dL to donate. Generally, blood donation is safe for individuals between the ages of 18 and 56 to 60, provided they are in good health and manage their blood pressure and blood sugar levels effectively. I encourage everyone to consider donating regularly as a way to promote better health.”
