While thousands of South Africans are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, it’s worrying that less than one percent of South Africa’s population iscurrently registered to be an organ donor.
According to a newspaper article, a mere 0.2% of South Africans are registered to donate their organs.
This amount seems like a small drop in the ocean to the more than 4 300 adults and children who are, according to the Organ Donor Foundation, currently awaiting an organ or cornea transplant.
Giving the gift of life is one of the most precious things that one can do. Something as simple as registering yourself as an organ donor can potentially save the lives of up to seven people who are desperately awaiting much-needed organs.
To register, visit the Organ Donor Foundation’s website or call them on 0800 22 66 11. After signing up, they’ll send you a card to carry with you at all times stating that you’d like your organs to be donated.
If you have any reservations regarding organ donation, go through our list of the most frequently asked questions.
Organ Donation FAQs
How do I register to become a potential organ donor?
Registering to become a potential organ donor is very easy and straightforward. Simply visit the Organ Donor Foundation’s website and register by entering your details. They’ll soon after send you a card to keep in your wallet at all times that will state that you’d like to donate your organs after death. The Organ Donor Foundation will also send you stickers to stick into your ID booklet and on your driver’s licence.
Should I notify my family about my decision?
Yes, you must notify your family that you’d like to become a potential organ donor and that you’d like them to respect your wishes when you die.
Which organs can be used to transplant?
One person has the potential to save up to seven lives. Organs like your heart, liver and pancreas can save up to three lives and organs like your lungs and kidneys can save up to seven lives.
What else can be donated?
Tissue like skin, bones, your corneas, tendons and heart valves can help up to 50 people.
Who can donate?
Any person who’s in good health and doesn’t have any chronic diseases that could potentially affect a donor recipient can register to become an organ donor.
What tests do I have to undergo to register to become an organ donor?
None. All medical tests will be done after death.
What costs are involved in registering to become an organ donor?
None. Registering and becoming an organ donor is completely free of charge.
When will I be considered ready for my organs to be harvested?
Patients who are declared brain dead will have their organs harvested. Once brain death is certified, the patient’s body will be kept on life support and permission will be obtained to harvest the organs. Death of an organ donor is defined by certification of brain death and not by the removal of life support.
How will doctors know if I’m really dead before harvesting my organs?
Confirming if a person is brain dead is carried out by two doctors who are not affiliated with the transplant team. Rigorous tests have to be done before a person is declared brain dead.
If you have any further questions about organ or tissue donation, simply visit the Organ Donor Foundation’s website by clicking here.
Donating blood is also a great way to help!
According to the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), less than 1% of South Africans donate blood regularly. This amount isn’t nearly enough to meet demands and therefore it’s crucial for more people to volunteer to donate this precious life source.
Where do I donate blood?
People who live in the Western Cape can visit the Western Province Blood Transfusion (WP Blood Transfusion) website at www.wpblood.org.za to find out where they can donate.
People living in the rest of South Africa can visit SANBS website at https://sanbs.org.za to find out where to donate.
If you have any further questions you’d like answered, visit our blog 9 Blood Donation FAQs Answered for more.