Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) has announced its support to the community health awareness campaign organised by Emirates Thalassemia Society in connection with World Thalassemia Day on May 8.

In line with Enoc’s initiative, information posters on the genetic blood disorder are now available at all service stations in Dubai and Northern Emirates.

Enoc staff members are also wearing campaign T-shirts and caps, as well as distributing information material among customers to encourage them to take advantage of the free screening tests and participate in the blood donation campaigns to assist those suffering from this disease.

Khalid Hadi, Enoc Group Brand and Marketing manager, emphasised that Enoc’s support to the Thalassemia campaign reflects the group’s ongoing commitment to the community.

He said: “Giving back to the community is a top priority for Enoc and we are keen to fulfil our commitment in all aspects of life, especially healthcare.”

“We are committed to support such initiatives as we realise the importance of enhancing the knowledge and awareness of Thalassemia. With a large number customer turnout, our service stations are ideal locations to disseminate information and increase the public’s awareness on the simple steps they can take that will make a huge difference,' Hadi added.

To further support Thalassemia patients, Enoc arranged a blood donation drive on May 4, 2009 at Enoc Complex, in co-operation with Al Wasl Hospital, which is the central blood bank of the Department of Health and Medical Services (DoHMS).

Enoc employees and members from the public also participated in the campaign to help meet the continuous need for blood supplies.

'Thalassemia patients require regular, and in some cases frequent blood transfusions for survival. Though highly prevalent in the Gulf region, all it takes to prevent this disorder is a simple and inexpensive pre-marital blood test.'

'The high prevalence of this disease means that blood banks in the country are constantly under pressure to meet the transfusion needs of patients,' he added.

The Thalassemia Centre functioning at Al Wasl Hospital under the DoHMS currently uses 60 per cent of its blood reserves to treat Thalassemia patients.-TradeArabia News Service