Be part of drive to save lives

THERE are about 4 300 South African adults and children awaiting life-saving organ and cornea transplants, says the executive director of the Organ Donor Foundation of South Africa, Samantha Nicholls.

She said the public was slow to register as organ and tissue donors, but what was shocking was that people were not prepared to donate but were willing to receive life-saving organ transplants.

In a survey carried out by the foundation this year, 71% of South Africans said they were not willing to donate their organs, with 77% saying they would accept an organ transplant.

“Alarmingly, only 8 000 of the 50 000 South Africans that should be receiving dialysis are being treated. That means 44 000 people are left to die or simply don’t know they are suffering from renal failure.”

Nicholls added that every person should become part of the foundation’s drive to save 1 000 lives by registering as an organ and tissue donor.

“The enormous task of public awareness and education in South Africa is of crucial importance because the number (4 300) of children and adults awaiting lifesaving organ and cornea transplants is escalating every month and we anticipate that in the not-so-distant future, these numbers might become pandemic.”

She said this was exacerbated by poor lifestyle choices, which resulted in an increase in diabetes and hypertension. This, in turn, could lead to chronic kidney disease and ultimately kidney failure.

“According to the National Kidney Foundation, one in 10 people suffer from chronic kidney disease and 10 000 South African men and women, young and old, will die of kidney disease or kidney failure annually.”

Nicholls said one person’s heart, liver and pancreas could save three lives, and one’s kidneys and lungs could help up to four people.

“Altogether, you have the ability to save seven lives. You can help up to 50 people by donating your corneas, skin, bone and heart valves.”

She said the foundation believed organ donors gave people, who have suffered with long-term illness, hope for a healthy and dramatically-improved quality of life.

“By registering to become an organ donor, you could give an only living parent another chance to look after his or her children, give a future to a child and added years with family to a sister or brother.”

To become an organ donor, call 0800 22 66 11 or e-mail marilyn@odf.org.za