Medlab Middle East to Address Blood Donation Challenges in the Wake of COVID-19

• Blood donation numbers impacted during the peak of the pandemic as people hesitant about leaving home

• Measures such as the postponement of non-essential surgeries to prioritise critical health issues a crucial factor in maintaining supply in the UAE

• Medlab Middle East, which takes place 21-24 June 2021 in Dubai, to feature a dedicated Blood Transfusion Medicine conference addressing the impact of COVID-19 on blood services

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) latest statistics, approximately 118 million blood donations are collected globally every year. However, according to research, COVID-19 has impacted donations throughout 2020.

Medlab Middle East

The Lancet, the peer-reviewed general medical journal, reported that the COVID-19 pandemic had significant implications for blood transfusion due to reduced donations. However, this was largely matched by reductions in demand for transfusions and supported by implementing contingency planning with prioritisation policies put in place in the event of shortages.

In the UAE, a range of measures during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic was introduced, including the postponement of non-essential surgeries to prioritise critical health issues.

As part of Medlab Middle East’s Blood Transfusion Medicine Conference, which takes place on 24 June, a range of sessions addressing the challenges faced in the sector as a result of COVID-19 will take place. Among them will be the opening session Insights on COVID-19 implication on blood services, moderated by Dr. May Yassin Raouf, Head & Medical Director, Dubai Blood Donation Center.

Rejoy Penacerrada, Conference Director for Informa Markets, said, “This year’s Blood Transfusion Conference will cover a range of topics addressing the impact COVID-19 has had on blood services around the world. We have recruited several global leaders on the subject, and their insights will be invaluable to the sector as we move into a post-pandemic world.”

Other highlights of the session include the impact of COVID-19 on transfusion medicine by esteemed Professor Erica Wood, President of the International Society of Blood Transfusion.

Innovation will also be a key discussion point during the conference, with one of the key sessions Frozen blood cells technology for emergency & rare blood groups taking centre stage. The practice recently introduced in the UAE, allowing blood units and rare blood groups to be saved and used for emergencies and disasters.  

Leading the session is Professor Masja de Haas, Department of Immunohaematology Diagnostic Services, Center for Clinical Transfusion Research, Sanquin Research and Department of Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Amsterdam.

“Medlab Middle East Congress continues to play an active role in furthering the health and wellbeing of citizens. It also ensures that professionals in the laboratory sector hold the latest data, information, and learnings from leaders in the field,” said Penacerrada.

“This year, we will show a range of technological advances crucial to the development of laboratory medicine in the region, most notably in blood transfusion - an area which has played a critical role in saving lives and improving health during these challenges times,” she added.

Coinciding with Arab Health, Medlab Middle East will take place from 21 - 24 June at the Dubai World Trade Centre and is set to attract a range of key laboratory and trade professionals from across the region for the live and in-person event.

The event will feature keynote speeches and scientific lectures, industry briefings, product demonstrations and networking opportunities, as well as a series of pre-arranged one-to-one meetings, with an emphasis on creating lasting relationships. A virtual showcase of Medlab Middle East will take place from 23 May-22 July.

About Medlab Middle East

As the MENA region's most prominent medical laboratory exhibition and congress, Medlab Middle East plays a crucial role in developing the value of laboratory medicine in reshaping the future of diagnostics by providing a platform for laboratory industry leaders, including manufacturers, dealers and distributors, to share best practice, showcase innovations, collaborate and network.

Medlab Middle East stems from 15 years of growth alongside the MENA region's largest healthcare event, Arab Health. Moving into its 5^th year as a stand-alone show, this annual medical laboratory meeting brings together exhibitors and attendees from over 140+ countries

Medlab Middle East will take place from 21-24 June 2021 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE. A digital event will occur from 23 May-22 July 2021.
 

About Arab Health

Arab Health is the largest healthcare event in the Middle East and is organised by Informa Markets. Established 46 years ago, Arab Health provides a platform for the world’s leading manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors to meet the medical and scientific community in the Middle East and subcontinent.

Arab Health Congress is reputed for delivering the highest quality Continuing Medical Education (CME) Conferences to medical professionals in the region.

Arab Health 2021 will take place from 21-24 June 2021 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates and in a digital event format from 23 May-22 July 2021.