DUBAI // Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has backed a campaign in Dubai encouraging more people to give blood.
The Be The 1 initiative calls on residents to visit a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) mobile donation unit to take part.
People with a rare or negative blood group are also being asked to register with the Dubai Blood Donation Centre (DBDC) so they can be contacted as and when the need arises.
An advertising campaign for the #BeThe1Donor movement – for which Ronaldo is the first global ambassador – has begun to encourage more young people to give blood. Director general of the DHA, Humaid Al Qatami, gave blood at the DBDC to launch the campaign. “Each blood donation can help save potentially three lives,” he said.
“Donating blood takes only 15 minutes while platelet collection takes 45 minutes to one hour. Our message is to continue supporting us for this humanitarian cause.”
People wishing to help out can visit Latifa Hospital.
Donors can walk-in to donate from 7.30am to 7pm on weekdays.
For more information, please call the centre on 04 219 3221.
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