Give The Gift Of Life Say Affinity Health On National Organ Day

Organ donation is made possible by people who voluntarily decide to donate their organs and tissue for transplantation. In light of National Donor Day on February 14, Affinity Health encourages all South Africans to consider registering as organ donors – and leave a lasting legacy.

At the age of 36, Mark Hendra had the world in the palm of his hand when a tragic and freak paragliding accident took his life. At the time of his death, Mark was an organ donor with the Organ Donor Foundation of South Africa. 

Despite his family’s overwhelming grief and profound loss, they found comfort in knowing that Mark’s death would not be in vain. Their gift provided hope and gave someone else in need a chance to live a full, healthy life again, and that’s the greatest gift that one could give someone else!

About 4,300 South African adults and children are awaiting life-saving organ transplants, but sadly, organ donors are in very short supply. South Africa is desperately in need of more donors, but many don’t understand the process and, perhaps even more so, are unaware just how many lives can be saved through donating various organs and tissues.

There are two types of transplants: organ and tissue. Organ transplants include the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and pancreas. These organs together can save up to seven lives. Tissue donations include skin, bone, tendons, heart valves, and corneas. These tissues can save up to 50 lives.

Currently, kidneys are the most needed organ in the country, with the longest waiting list. A limited number of facilities offer renal failure treatment, meaning only 8 000 out of 50 000 people living with renal failure are on dialysis. This has left 42 000 South Africans untreated for renal failure while waiting for a new kidney.

“Becoming an organ donor is simple, and no medical tests or examinations are needed,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. 

“Registering to become an organ donor is also completely free. All expenses incurred during the donation process will be covered by the relevant hospital or tissue bank, as required by South African law.”

While organ donation is a personal choice, if you are thinking of becoming an organ donor you should inform your family of your decision to ensure they know about and respect your wishes when the time comes.

For more details, contact the Organ Donor Foundation on 0800 22 66 11 (toll-free line during office hours) or register online at www.odf.org.za. 

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About Affinity Health

Affinity Health aims to provide premier quality, affordable medical insurance to South Africans. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service when they are faced with injury or illness. We work to deliver innovative solutions that are simple, cost-effective, and proven, so our cover is structured to ensure that you get exactly what you need. For more information, follow us on Facebook, and Instagram.