Organ Donation Plummets: An Alarming Decline

Over recent years, organ donation has experienced a concerning decline attributed to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The significance of organ donation is highlighted by the assertion that a single organ and tissue donor has the potential to save up to seven lives and positively affect the quality of life for as many as 70 people. These insights are provided by Brackenhurst’s Sr Marlize de Jager, an esteemed professional with over three decades of experience in the nursing fraternity, specialising in ICU and organ transplant.

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Sr Marlize de Jager’s career journey has taken her through different roles, from recipient coordinator to transplant educator. Currently, she is a procurement coordinator at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre. In her present capacity, she plays a pivotal role in raising awareness and educating the medical community about organ donation and transplantation.

Her dedication to the cause is evident as she actively engages with hospitals, arranging awareness programs and providing crucial information to potential candidates and their families regarding the option of organ donation. She emphasises three distinct organ and tissue donation types: living donor, heart-beating donor, and non-heart-beating donor. A living donor may contribute a kidney and a portion of their liver while heart-beating donors can donate organs from patients declared brain dead after experiencing a severe, irreversible brain injury. Non-heart-beating donors can donate corneas, skin, and bone tissue posthumously.

Dispelling common myths, Sr Marlize de Jager asserts that age is not a barrier to becoming an organ donor, debunking the misconception that one is ever too young or too old to contribute. She emphasises that organ and tissue donation is conducted with the utmost dignity and respect, reassuring families that the process does not affect the funeral date and is carried out according to their wishes. Even patients with chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure or diabetes can still be considered organ donors, further highlighting the importance of having open discussions about organ donation within the community to save lives potentially.

To further their mission of promoting organ donation awareness, Sr Marlize de Jager and her team are hosting a radio show on www.joyousradio.co.za every Saturday from 06:00 to 09:00. The show spans ten weeks and features various guest speakers who will discuss organ donation and transplantation, aiming to inform and engage the public on this critical subject.

Those inspired to contribute and register as organ donors are encouraged to visit “Save Seven” to learn more about the process and take the first step towards potentially transforming lives through organ donation. The call to action urges individuals to inform their families of their wishes to donate their organs upon passing as a significant step in ensuring their intentions are known and potentially honoured.

Source: Alarming decrease in organ donation

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Photo: Source by the Alberton Record