The National Higher Committee for Blood Transfusion in the Ministry of Health held its meeting at the premises of Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Center headed by Dr. Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for Centers and Health Clinics and Chairman of the Committee in the attendance of a number of representatives from the Ministry of Health, local health authorities, Zayed Military Hospital, UAEU and Sharjah University as well as government hospitals.

The committee members discussed the importance of blood safety and transfusion and called for the unification of efforts in investigating infectious diseases that may be transmitted through blood. In application of international trends and methods, the blood transfusion centers in the UAE have been certified by the US Blood Bank Association. The centers include: Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Center, Blood Bank in Sheikh Khelifa Hospital in Abu Dhabi, Blood Donation Center in Latifa Hospital; they all convey the quality of services and international standards.

The committee members also highlighted the preparation plans of the blood centers in the UAE for emergency and crises cases noting that these plans must coincide with the current and future strategy plans of the Ministry of Health and other local health authorities.

Dr. Al Rand also emphasized the preparation of the international blood transfusion conference that will be held in Dubai during the year 2016 in coordination with the international blood transfusion association based in Amsterdam. Held for the first time in the Middle East region under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the conference will highlight international researches and studies and working papers that would convey the current health services and position in the UAE.