VIA Launches Two-Day Blood Donation Camp Amid Critical Shortage

Velana International Airport (VIA) began a two-day blood donation camp yesterday in collaboration with Maldives Blood Services (MBS), as national blood stocks from several groups fall to critically low levels.

The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) announced that the VIA Blood Donation Camp 2026 started today at the Airport Recreation Centre. The initiative was inaugurated by MACL Chief Commercial Officer Mohamed Mihad, with today’s session scheduled to run until 16:00. Airport staff have been encouraged to participate in the drive.

VIA Blood Donation Camp 2026 started today in collaboration with Maldives Blood Services. The two-day camp was initiated by our CCO, Mohamed Mihad. Today’s session will run until 4:00 PM at the Airport Recreation Center, and all airport staff are encouraged to take part. pic.twitter.com/8VMuBeBTvB— Maldives Airports Company Ltd (@MACLmedia) January 31, 2026

The camp comes amid an urgent appeal from Maldives Blood Services, which has warned that reserves for multiple blood groups have dropped significantly. According to MBS, the blood groups currently in critical demand are A positive, B positive, AB positive, O positive, B negative, and O negative.

In a public announcement, MBS called on all eligible donors to come forward, stressing that additional donations are required to meet ongoing medical needs across the country.

Blood donations are accepted at the Maldives Blood Services Blood Bank at Orange Hiya, Hulhumalé Phase 1, which operates from 08:00 to 20:00, Saturday to Thursday.

To be eligible to donate, individuals must be 18 years or older, weigh at least 45 kilograms, have a minimum of six hours of sleep, and eat at least one hour before donating. MBS reiterated that blood donations are vital to saving lives and supporting healthcare services nationwide.