August is National Organ Donor Awareness Month, but the Organ Donor Foundation of South Africa (ODF) says thousands of potential donors are failing to complete the simple step that could one day save lives.
The foundation has revealed that 75% of people who begin the online organ donor registration process never submit their application, meaning they are not added to the national donor registry.
The statistic stands in stark contrast to a recent ODF street survey, which found that 80% of South Africans would willingly accept an organ transplant if they or a loved one needed one. According to the foundation, the reluctance to register is not linked to age, race or gender. Instead, misinformation and a lack of understanding continue to discourage many from becoming registered donors.
“People fear the unknown, which is why it’s so important to educate them and give them the facts,” said Jooste Vermeulen, executive director of business development for the ODF.
The foundation says persistent myths remain one of the biggest obstacles to increasing donor numbers. Among the most common misconceptions are that organs are removed before a donor has died, that South Africa has a secret black market for organs, or that doctors will not fight as hard to save the life of someone registered as an organ donor.
The ODF says these claims are completely false. Another important misconception is that registering as a donor automatically authorises organ donation after death.
The foundation emphasises that the consent of a donor’s next of kin is always required before any organs or tissue can be donated.
For this reason, registered donors are encouraged to discuss their wishes with their families. The need for more registered donors remains urgent.
Organ transplantation depends on finding a donor whose blood type and tissue match the recipient, making a larger donor pool essential to improving the chances of saving lives.
The ODF says one organ donor has the potential to save up to seven lives by donating the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and pancreas, while tissue donation can improve the quality of life of many more people.
As National Organ Donor Awareness Month is observed throughout August, the foundation is urging South Africans to consider registering and to encourage family and friends to do the same. Registration is free and takes only a few minutes. Anyone, regardless of age, existing medical conditions or lifestyle, can register as a potential donor.
Medical assessments are only conducted if the opportunity for donation arises. People who wish to become organ donors can register online at odf.org.za, call the ODF’s toll-free number on 0800 22 66 11, or email info@odf.org.za.
“More registered donors mean more opportunities to save lives,” the foundation said.
“Every registration offers hope to someone waiting for a life-saving transplant.”
