The organ donation month is observed every year on the 13th of August. This day was established to encourage all communities to come forth and donate organs to save lives that are lost due to organ failure. The Organ Donor Foundation said August is dedicated to making people be aware of the importance of organ donation.
South Africa already has a shortage of organ donors, and the lack of education around the situation is only making matters more difficult. Hence this organisation will be giving an opportunity for people to come together and pledge to donate their precious organs to save lives.
“Organ donation is the medical process of taking an organ from a deceased person, with the consent of their family and friends, and surgically transplanting it into another person who is in dire need of an organ,” said the organ donor foundation.
This organisation said that they will also attempt to eliminate the fears, perception and the myths people have in their mind about organ donation.
“On this day, the focus is to address that organ donation can be life-changing for many. The practice can give a new life to the ones in need. The aim of this day is to advocate, motivate, and educate normal human beings to pledge to donate their organs after death,” said the organ donor foundation.
The organisation aims to create awareness about the massive population that dies due to organ failure, this is the result of organ shortage in SA.
“Often people would want to receive an organ but are unwilling to donate or register as an organ donor. So, we want to spread awareness about the importance of organ donation.,”said the organ donor foundation.
The organ donor foundation added that anyone, irrespective of age can have their organs donated.
“If a donor is under the age of 18, the consent of a parent or legal guardian is required.” said the organ donor foundation.
Register online at www.odf.org.za or call the Organ Donor Foundation’s on toll-free number – 0800 22 66 11
