Minister appeals for public to donate organs

RESEARCH shows that more than 500 000 people die in South Africa every year, 12% due to violence, motor vehicle crashes and head injuries. By comparison, fewer than 300 transplants are performed annually, even though most people who die of unnatural deaths are potential organ donors.

During kidney awareness week, the provincial health department is highlighting the need to educate people about the importance of donating their organs once they die.

Although organ donation has the potential to save many lives, it is taboo in many communities, said Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo.

Mbombo spoke at an event at Tygerberg Hospital yesterday, where she pleaded for people to become donors.

About 130 patients are on renal dialysis at Tygerberg Hospital, and there are many more patients who cannot access dialysis because numbers are capped due to limited resources.

“Dialysis is just a temporary solution for those suffering from kidney disease. We appeal to people to donate kidneys and any organs,” Mbombo said.

“One organ you donate can actually save eight lives, and any tissue you donate – not only the kidneys – can even save (the lives of) 50 people.’’

She said dialysis operations are expensive. “Hence we find there are people who wait so long on the waiting list because they are still waiting for the dialysis. You can only dialyse for those people who are compatible with and are able to have a kidney transplant, but the majority of people end up dying while they are waiting,” she said.

Dialysis removes toxic waste from the body that cannot be removed by kidneys. It helps to keep patients with end-stage kidney failure alive. Without dialysis they will die. It costs the state about R200 000 a year for each patient.

“So we appeal to people, please, please donate a kidney. It saves lives. The reality is that organ donation is a simple choice that will cost you a few minutes of your time to register, but it saves lives.

“We need more people to donate their kidneys. We need our people to have a positive attitude towards organ donation, as kidney transplantation is the best and least expensive treatment option for endstage kidney disease.”

Contact the Organ Donor Foundation at https://odf.org.za/