THERE are less than 300 transplant surgeries done in South Africa annually, even though 4 300 people are in dire need of an organ.
August is organ donor month and the Organ Donor Foundation (ODF) is urging people to register as donors.
The number of people needing transplants is ever increasing and exacerbated by poor lifestyle choices.
ODF executive director Samantha Nicholls said one donor can potentially save eight lives by pledging their liver, pancreas, kidneys, lungs and tissue, including corneas, skin, bone and heart valves.
Nicholls said about 200 000 people are currently registered as organ donors. Three-quarters of them are women.
“Many people don’t understand the concept of organ donation. Some people even think doctors would let you die, or your body will be disfigured. That is not the case. And that’s why awareness is key.”
Nicholls said there were also misconceptions that there is a cost to register as a donor.
“We ask people if they would receive an organ from a donor. If you would, why not become a donor yourself.”
The SA National Blood Service (SANBS) said the latest figures show that 231 adults, adolescents and children had their sight restored through a cornea transplant in 2013.
SANBS spokesperson Vanessa Raju said the donation of human tissue of any kind is unlike other acts of volunteerism and should not be taken lightly.
You can register as a donor online at www.odf.org.za or call the ODF toll free line on 0800 22 66 11. After registering, the ODF will send you an electronic information pack with an organ donor card to place in your wallet as well as organ donor stickers to stick on your ID, driving licence and medical aid card.
The next step is to let your family know you have registered as an organ donor and ask them to honour your wish. They are required to give consent at the time of your death if you are identified as a potential organ donor.