Health Ministry launches blood donation drive to commemorate Kuwaitis' sacrifices

KUWAIT: Kuwait's National Assembly Speaker Marzoug Ali Al-Ghanem said yesterday that the memory of the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait is a chance "for us to remember our lessons towards our nation." The speaker made his remarks ahead of the annual anniversary of the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, saying, "We might be busy all year long with our lives and get carried away, but on the 2nd of August we should take a moment with ourselves to rearrange our priorities towards our country.""The Iraqi invasion was very bitter but it has been a true test for our patriotism and revealed our true identity, it has taught us a lot," he continued. "We do not forget our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for this country, and our Arab and Muslim brothers who stood by us through this crisis," he added. Ghanem concluded his statement by asking Allah Almighty to protect Kuwait, to preserve his grace "upon us" and wished Kuwait more development and prosperity.


KUWAIT: A donor giving blood at the Central Blood Bank during the blood donation campaign. — KUNA

Blood donation
Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health, represented by the Central Blood Bank, has launched a blood donation campaign for the fourth year in a row, coinciding with the 29th anniversary of the brutal Iraqi invasion. Assistant Undersecretary for Support Medical Services Dr Fawaz Al-Rifai said in a press statement Thursday that the campaign aims to encourage citizens and residents to donate blood as an expression of loyalty and belonging to this dear land and to remember the sacrifices of the righteous Kuwaiti martyrs. Rifai added that some 400 blood bags were donated to the Central Blood Bank in the campaign last year from different nationalities residing on the land of Kuwait. He called on everyone to donate through the scattered branches in Kuwait, namely, the Sheikha Salwa Al-Sabah Stem Cell Center and the Central Blood Bank, in addition to the other branches of the Blood Bank in various hospitals in Kuwait.

Kuwaitis' sacrifices
Separately, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information for Press and Publications Sector Mohammad Al-Awash confirmed yesterday that the ministry has prepared special programs to be aired today and shed light on the 29th anniversary of the brutal Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, highlighting the Kuwaitis' sacrifices. Awash, head of the media discourse committee, said in a press statement that the ministry is keen to highlight the Kuwaitis' contributions and sacrifices during the brutal Iraqi invasion of the country, in addition to their adherence to their legitimate leadership and resisting the occupation with spirit, blood and civil disobedience. He added that the Kuwaiti people, in commemoration of the brutal Iraqi invasion anniversary that falls today, recall with pride the pure souls that presented themselves and their blood as a sacrifice for Kuwait. He also recalled with pride the prisoners who struck the finest examples of redemption, giving and the heroic role played by the Kuwaiti people and honorable residents in civil disobedience to occupation, social solidarity and the administration of important State facilities during the brutal aggression. He pointed out that citizens applaud the great role played by the legitimate leadership during the liberation of Kuwait, in addition to the honorable efforts of brothers and friends in this regard, which will remain in the memory of every Kuwaiti.


On the ministry's plan for programs on this painful anniversary, Awash said that 24 hour TV and radio broadcast will be dedicated to the 29th anniversary of the brutal Iraqi invasion. He pointed to the cooperation and coordination with the Blood Bank to carry out a blood donation campaign on this day in reference to the Kuwaiti blood, which was shed by the Kuwaiti on their land during the invasion, indicating that the campaign will be broadcast via radio and television studios in the blood bank during a live broadcast and continuous news reports.

True essence
Minister of Information, Minister of State for Youth Affairs Mohammad Al-Jabri on Thursday praised the people of Kuwait who faced the flagrant and heinous Iraqi invasion in 1990. Experience of this ugly crime revealed the true essence of the Kuwaiti people who stunned the world with their steadfastness and adherence to their land, Jabri said in a press release yesterday marking the anniversary. The people of Kuwait recall with pride and deep admiration the patriotic efforts by the late Amir His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah during the hateful occupation. He lauded the late leaders for their efforts to prepare for the liberation and re-construction of the country. Moreover, he heaped praise upon His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah who at the hard times led the Kuwaiti diplomacy for rallying external support in the face of aggressors. - KUNA