Youth step up to save lives, donate blood for thalassaemia patients

In a powerful display of compassion and civic responsibility, students from various universities of Karachi participated in a blood donation drive organised by the Umair Sana Foundation and Volunteer Force Against Hepatitis Transmission (VFAHT) at the Pakistan Maritime Museum, donating blood for children suffering from thalassaemia and pledging to become lifelong advocates for blood donation and disease awareness.

The event, aimed not only at collecting blood but also at raising awareness about thalassaemia prevention, was marked by active student involvement, educational sessions, and on-site blood screening facilities. Secretary Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority (SBTA) Dr Dur-e-Naz Jamal, who attended as chief guest, lauded the foundation’s efforts and the student volunteers’ commitment to the cause.

“Umair Sana Foundation’s role in promoting thalassemia awareness is truly commendable,” said Dr Jamal. “It is heartening to see our youth not only donating blood but standing at the forefront of the fight against this disease. Initiatives like these don’t just save lives — they nurture a much-needed culture of collective responsibility.

She emphasised that the SBTA’s mission was to ensure a safe and quality blood supply, and such collaborations played a crucial role in achieving that goal. “Blood donation takes just two minutes, but it can give someone a lifetime. This is not just a medical contribution—it is a humanitarian one,” she added.

Renowned hematologist and President Umair Sana Foundation, Dr Saqib Ansari, praised the young donors, calling their participation a sign of hope in the battle against thalassemia. “Children suffering from thalassemia require blood transfusions every two to three weeks. One bottle of donated blood can bring them back to life,” he said.

Dr Ansari also stressed that youth activism and awareness were the key to eliminating thalassaemia in Pakistan. “This is not just about donating blood—it’s about saving lives. If our youth rise for this cause, thalassaemia can be defeated,” he declared. He urged the public to treat blood donation not as a one-time act but as a personal responsibility to the nation.

Popular sports anchor Yahya Hussaini also attended the event to show solidarity with the volunteers and appreciated the social initiative. “These activities are essential for a healthy society,” he said.

The drive concluded on a high note, with students walking away not only as donors but also as informed advocates for thalassaemia awareness and prevention. Organisers termed the event a resounding success in terms of both blood collection and youth engagement.