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RIYADH: ����ֱ��’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman donated blood on Thursday to launch the annual national blood donation campaign, in a move described as a gracious gesture and an extension of Saudi leadership’s humanitarian approach by top Saudi officials.

The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the importance of voluntary donations so that the Kingdom can become self-sufficient in supplies of blood and related products, thereby ensuring the availability of safe and sustainable stocks that meet the needs of the population.

More than 800,000 donors gave blood in 2024, officials said.

The crown prince and King Salman have actively encouraged several health-related initiatives in recent years, including setting examples by receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, and enrolling in the national organ-donation program.

Applauding the crown prince’s gesture, the Ministry of Health posted on X: “The Leader’s Giving ... A Role Model for the Nation. The donation of His Highness #Crown_Prince is a humanitarian message to establish blood donation as a national value, support the voluntary work system in the health sector, and ensure the provision of safe blood supplies to meet the need.”

Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel thanked the crown prince for his generous blood donation and unlimited support for humanitarian work through the launch of the blood donation canpaign.

This initiative embodies a firm commitment to promoting a culture of giving and community solidarity, and to raising the rate of voluntary blood donations support the health sector, he said.

Al-Jalajel explained that the campaign is an extension of the other humanitarian initiatives undertaken by the Saudi leadership, including receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and registering in the organ donation program.

“These initiatives reflect a solid approach to healthcare and improving quality of life,” said the minister, calling on all members of society to donate blood.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, advisor to the Royal Court and supervisor-general of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, said the donation embodies the highest form of humanitarian giving and represents a noble message of compassion and solidarity, as each donation contributes to saving lives.

“This initiative is an extension of the leadership’s generosity and humanitarian approach. It is not limited to supporting the health sector alone, but rather embodies the profound humanitarian values instilled by the Kingdom’s leaders in the society. It encourages citizens and residents alike to donate blood as a noble humanitarian act.”

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar said this initiative reflects the crown prince’s special attention to humanitarian work and his commitment to instilling the values of solidarity and giving in society.

The initiative carries a noble message aimed at raising community awareness of the importance of voluntary blood donation and providing sufficient safe supplies to blood banks and hospitals across the Kingdom, he added.

Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Eastern Province governor, said: “The crown prince’s donation represents an inspiring example and reflects a direct interest in the health of citizens and residents. It also contributes to raising community awareness of the importance of voluntary blood donation and its role in saving lives.”

Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh stressed that this step embodies the highest values of giving and altruism, and represents an inspiring example of humanitarian work.

He added that this annual campaign is an extension of the crown prince’s generous patronage of humanitarian work and an encouragement for all segments of society to donate blood, in compliance with the Almighty’s words: “And whoever saves a life, it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.”

Dr. Hisham bin Saad Al-Jadhey, CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, noted that the donation not only granted life, but also redefined the relationship between citizens and the healthcare sector, making every individual a partner in building an informed, sustainable healthcare system.

He emphasized that the annual campaign reflects the generosity of the Kingdom and its leaders and embodies the values of humanitarian work, and contributes to strengthening blood banks and supplying hospitals and healthcare centers.

MONTEVIDEO: ����ֱ��’s Ambassador to Uruguay Sultan Al-Muzaini presented his credentials to the President of Uruguay Yamandu Orsi on Friday during an official reception ceremony at the presidential palace in the capital, Montevideo.

Al-Muzaini passed on greetings from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, along with their wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the Uruguayan people. In turn, Orsi conveyed his greetings to both the King and the crown prince.

During the reception, Orsi praised the relations between the two countries, expressed his hopes for further progress and prosperity for the Kingdom and its people, and wished Ambassador Al-Muzaini success in his work.