Italian Embassy leads blood drive to mark World Donor Day

17/06/2026

KUWAIT CITY, June 16: On the occasion of World Blood Donor Day, the Italian Embassy organized a blood donation campaign on Monday, as an expression of solidarity and support, highlighting the importance of community contributions during the challenging period. Italian Ambassador to Kuwait Lorenzo Morini said the initiative reflects the strength of the close relationship between Italy and Kuwait, as well as the continuous presence of his country and active engagement within Kuwait. He affirmed that Italian support remains steadfast, whether through direct cooperation or ongoing coordination with local authorities.

Morini revealed that regular technical exchanges take place between institutions in both countries, particularly in the security and defense sectors, in addition to broader cooperation in supply chains and essential services, which he described as key elements in maintaining stability and ensuring safe living conditions. He added that discussions are continuing on expanding cooperation in the healthcare sector, pointing out that Italian doctors and specialists are already working in Kuwait, while opportunities to strengthen institutional cooperation between the two countries in this field are being explored. He emphasized that the defense sector remains the top priority in bilateral cooperation, followed by the supply chain sector, while stressing the importance of other areas that contribute to strengthening relations between the two countries. Regarding the Italian community in Kuwait, he said it numbers around 800 people, although the current figure is lower due to some members traveling during the summer.

He said members of the community are employed across sectors, including healthcare, defense, information technology, construction, electronics, and oil and gas. On the other hand, Dr. Reem Al-Radwan, Director of the Central Department of Blood and Cellular Therapy at the Ministry of Health, confirmed the department's commitment to continue cooperating with embassies and various organizations to hold blood donation campaigns. She stated that the Italian campaign is part of the events launched by the ministry to mark World Blood Donor Day. She explained that these campaigns are intended to reinforce blood reserves as a precautionary measure, asserting that Kuwait’s blood supply remains secure and capable of meeting hospital requirements. She added that community participation exceeded expectations in recent months, with the number of donors rising from around 8,000 per month to more than 10,000 per month, with the aim of surpassing 100,000 donations annually.

Meanwhile, Fawaz Al-Mazrouei, Director General of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), said Kuwait's humanitarian initiatives have strengthened its relations with accredited diplomatic missions. He stressed that the participation of embassies in blood donation campaigns reflects the cooperation and mutual understanding among different communities and Kuwaiti society, reinforcing human solidarity and helping ensure continuous support for patients in need of blood transfusion.

By Fares Ghaleb Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff