In Dubai, Indian exits helped to save 25,000 people’s lives through the decade of blood donation drives
As the world marked World Blood Donor Day on 14 June, a quiet but powerful movement in Dubai is being observed for its life-saving effects. Established by a small group of Indian migrants in 2015, kindness blood donation team has now developed in one of the most influential volunteers of Emirates, which has helped save more than 25,000 people. More than 250 donation campaign.
A movement born with compassion
The Kindness Blood Donation Team was united by three Indian expatins by Shihb Theruvath, Anwar Wayanad, and Salaam Kanyappa with a shared spirit of social responsibility. “We realized that many people did not know how many lives they could save, and even though they knew, many people did not know where or how to do it regularly,” Shihab Theruvath said, who works in Dubai’s health field, in an interview, in an interview Gulf News, He said, “When we felt that we had to do something to create a simple way for those who really wanted to donate to get it,” he said. In 2015, he began by starting small donations, gradually expanded his network using WhatsApp groups based on the rank. These groups made it easy to raise the donors quickly, helping to bridge the difference between blood requirement and availability. The health sector also from the health sector also, Anwar Wayanad said, “Work schedule often prevents people from donating. Therefore, we brought drives to them, organizing campaigns in various parts of the city. The reaction has been heavy.” The team soon rose, which included volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including:
- Debesh Nalppadam Gangadharan – Graphic Designer
- Vaisakh Suresh Nambiar – Limosine Company Employees
- Ramshud Chestumkuzhi – Receptionist
- Suhail Kopa – Document Services Professional
These volunteers, most of the Indian states from Kerala, continue to run the messages: “A drop of blood can save a life.”
Frontline work during Covid-19
The true flexibility of the kindness team was tested during the Covid-19 epidemic, when strict lockdown and public fear severely affected blood donation rates. At a time when the blood banks struggled, the team took action. “It was a time of fear, but it was also a time when we saw the best of humanity,” recalled a finance manager and entrepreneur Salam Kanyapadi, who regularly donates blood with his wife Riana Salaam. In a close partnership with Dubai Blood Donation Center and Dubai KMCC, supported by Kasargod District Committee, managed to maintain a series of safe, well -coordinated drives. His reliable presence helped the public to assure and maintain significant blood supply. After the epidemic, the team expanded their outreach, which cooperate with community groups and alumni to conduct more organized campaigns in Dubai.
Honor, milestone, and World Blood Donor Day 2025
The impact of the group’s efforts is officially recognized. Shihab Theruvath was recently awarded the Certificate of Certificate by Dubai Blood Donation Center, which was a will for the unwavering commitment of the group. As Anwar told Gulf News“Over the years, we have received huge support from the donors of various nationalities. In close coordination with the Dubai Blood Donation Center, we are organizing regular, well -structured blood donation campaigns, covering various areas of Dubai and making donors convenient to participate. , He said, “We expand our heartfelt gratitude to the Dubai Blood Donation Center under Dubai Health, which help us to help change our vision into a reality, as well as for the dedicated team of volunteers and our committed donors, which carry forward this mission.” To mark the World Blood Donor Day 2025, the team launched a youthful campaign with: “Give Blood, Give Hope: Together we save life.” Drives held on Friday, students volunteers were brought into bid to motivate younger generations to become regular donors. Many volunteers and supporters of the group have now taken the next step by donating platelets and red cells, which exposes the growing sophistication and awareness outreach of the campaign.
Blood donation: what you should know
The UAE has a strictly regulated process to ensure the health and safety of both blood donations and recipients. What should the donors know here:
Eligibility:
- Age: 18 to 65 years
- Weight: at least 50 kg (and 55 kg for people below 21 years)
- Health: At least four hours of sleep and healthy food should be in good general health within four hours before donation.
- ID requirement: A valid Emirates ID must be submitted (tourists/visitor are not characters)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not donate
Temporary Deferrals:
- Recently visit to malaria-endemic countries: 30-day Deferral
- Flu -like symptoms, or recent dental function
Permanent Deferrals:
- History of malaria, communicable diseases like jaundice after 11 years of age, or HIV or hepatitis
- Individuals who have done large surgery in the last six months or have received blood transfusion
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a unit of donated blood can save up to three lives, as the blood can be separated in red cells, plasma and platelets, serving each separate important medical requirements. Every year is celebrated on 14 June, the World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) was established in 2004 to increase global awareness about the importance of safe blood donation. It recalls the birth of Carl Landsteiner, which discovers scientific blood groups, and serves as a tribute to voluntary blood donors worldwide.
