Palestinian embassy officials and dozens of frontline medical staff have donated blood to local blood banks. Several diplomats including Ambassador Issam Masalha gave blood in Abu Dhabi and encouraged others to help support the country’s healthcare system. Eighty-five medical staff from hospital group VPS Healthcare donated at three hospitals in Al Ain. Blood bank reserves have fallen to record lows as due to restrictions on movement and as members of the public stay home. Reserves are crucial for use in accident and emergency wards and for conditions including leukaemia and other cancers. “We believe that blood donation is a national duty that only takes minutes, but in return can save lives,” said ambassador Masalha. "It is our duty as residents and citizens of the UAE to give back whenever an opportunity arises especially in times such as these." The Covid-19 pandemic has led to shortages in many countries. The <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/uae/health/coronavirus-blood-donations-slump-in-abu-dhabi-over-covid-19-fears-1.1002487">blood bank in the UAE capital recently reported a drop in blood donations</a> as the public was told to stay home last month. Abu Dhabi's blood bank, which covers 12 government and 25 private hospitals and trauma centres in the emirate, was at an all-time low in March. “Because people are afraid of the virus, few people are coming forward to donate,” Dr Naima Oumeziane, medical director of Abu Dhabi Blood Bank, which is operated by Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, said at the time. “Donating blood is a safe process. Please keep donating.” Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi also urges all healthy adults to donate blood during the pandemic<strong> </strong>to help those in need. Dr Arun Menon, regional director of VPS Healthcare in Al Ain, said: “We conduct multiple blood donation drives annually. This time is more special as we are fighting a deadly virus."