On 21 August 2016, UNAMID Police in Central Sector donated blood to the Maternity Unit at the Zalingei Teaching Hospital, Central Darfur. The blood donation is an UNAMID Police initiative to support the local community and to save lives, particularly during surgical operations and child birth.

UNAMID Sector Central Police Sector Commander, General Kharel, the first to donate blood at the Hospital during the visit, explained that the blood donation initiative is an integral part of the Mission Police’s mandate implementation. “We fulfil our protection of civilian mandate in many ways, even through blood donations to the community in this Sector. Blood is critical for emergency or other major health operations. We appeal to the authorities to ensure proper storage of this donated blood to ensure maximum use when needed, especially in the maternity ward,” General Kharel added.

The Medical Director of Zalingei Teaching Hospital, Dr. Musa Hassan Abdallah, extended his appreciation to UNAMID Police for this “noble and lifesaving gesture” adding that as medical staff in the hospital, they fully appreciate the critical need for donated blood, stating that “donated blood saves lives.”

Fifteen UNAMID Police, including members of UNAMID Togolese Formed Police Unit (FPU) participated in this blood donation exercise which will help the hospital to address some of the blood shortages and will contribute to the wellbeing of the local community, especially for the vulnerable and elderly.