Allianz Lanka blood donation campaign in K'gala

Allianz corporate branding greeted donors arriving to give life-giving blood plasma for Thalassaemia sufferers.

Nearly 350 pints of blood plasma was collected at the blood donation campaign, Blood tests to identify the presence of Thalassaemia were also carried out free of charge by Blood Bank medical officers at the Allianz Lanka branch office.

The Kurunegala region has Sri Lanka's highest concentration of Thalassaemia sufferers.

Scientists and public health officials predict that Thalassaemia will become a cause for concern worldwide by the next century. This is a life-threatening childhood blood disease that is passed down through genes. It results in the destruction of red blood cells which leads to anaemia.

Frequent blood transfusions are needed to keep the red cell count at acceptable levels, so substantial and readily available quantities of blood are a constant need. Families of children affected by Thalassaemia live not only with the anguish of having a child who may not reach adulthood, but must also bear the financial burden of medical expenses.