Students from the Maldives National University (MNU) have taken the lead in launching a campaign aimed at raising public awareness about blood donation and increasing the number of voluntary donors.

The campaign, titled ‘Athukuri Olhaalamaa’ which translated implies to roll up your sleeves, is designed to address the ongoing challenges caused by the shortage of voluntary blood donors and to foster a stronger culture of blood donation among Maldivians.

In collaboration with relevant authorities, the campaign has been rolled out on social media. In recent days, videos showing people of various ages, both men and women, rolling up their sleeves have gone viral across multiple platforms.

In the Maldives, the demand for blood is consistently high. Blood is regularly required for individuals being treated for injuries from sudden accidents, those living with chronic illnesses, patients facing complications during childbirth, and people with thalassemia and other diseases.

For many reasons, the country has a large number of individuals who require blood on a daily basis.

This initiative by MNU students is positioned as an effort to normalize blood donation within Maldivian society, ultimately helping to protect the lives of those who rely on donated blood.

The campaign is primarily led by students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Media and PR at the Maldives National University.

According to campaign leader Shafraz Ahmed, the name ‘Athukuri Olhaalamaa’ was chosen with a specific intention, emphasizing the idea that everyone is capable of making an effort to donate blood.