Organ Donation - the gift of life
There are approximately 4 300 South African adults and children awaiting a life-saving organ or cornea transplant. Statistics show that less than 0.2% of South Africans are organ donors. In an article, written by Mthunzi Mbatha, he states that the stock standard excuse for not donating an organ is that “it is not done in my culture” and concludes that he thinks a culture of giving is worth considering.
How and when can organs/tissue be donated?
You have two types of organ donations. Solid organs like your heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and pancreas can only be donated once you have been declared brain dead and on a ventilator in a hospital. The second type is tissue donation such as bone, skin, corneas and heart valves. In this instance, the organ donor is ventilated or has already passed away. A family member needs to phone the Organ Donor Foundation who will coordinate all aspects of the transplant if you are a registered donor. You can save up to 7 lives by donating your solid organs and 50 lives by donating tissue. Remember, you can also save a life by donating an organ whilst still alive.
What are the steps if you decide to become an organ donor?
Step 1
Contact the Organ Donor Foundation of South Africa (ODF). The ODF is a national non-profit organisation addressing the critical shortage of organ and tissue donors in South Africa through awareness and educational campaigns. Visit the website on: www.odf.org.za. You can either register online or contact the toll free line on 0800 22 66 11. Bone SA is also a partner and a non-profit company (NPC), dealing with the distribution of bone related allografts. Visit the website on: www.bonesa.org.za.
Step 2
Get a bracelet/necklace/disk confirming that you are an organ donor. Contact Medic Alert on (021) 425 7328/0861 112 979 or Elixir Medical Shields on 0861 115 178.
Questions you might have
Can I donate an organ if I have an existing medical condition?
This would not prevent you from becoming an organ/tissue donor, however, the type of organs/tissue to be transplanted will be established at your time of death.
Do I have to undergo medical tests to register as a donor?
No. Medical tests will only be carried out at the time of death.
Can I request to donate specific organs or tissue?
Yes. Be sure to inform your loved ones of your wishes.
How to ensure that your wishes are carried out
Ask your family to inform all healthcare professionals involved in your care of your wishes. Make sure to wear your bracelet, necklace or disc. Consider being an organ donor. By donating your organs you are leaving a piece of you as a true gift of life to somebody else.