Arwyp Medical Centre celebrates World Organ Donation Day
"One donor can save up to seven lives and improve the quality of many more."
On August 13, Arwyp Medical Centre hosted an awareness campaign at the Arwyp Training Institute to mark World Organ Day and National Organ and Tissue Awareness Month, known as “Orgust.”
Nurses, doctors and student nurses attended in large numbers, alongside special guests invited to share insights on the importance of organ donation and the donation process.
Dr Roland Hollhumer, an ophthalmologist specialising in corneal and anterior segment surgery through a fellowship at Sydney Eye Hospital, Australia, explained cornea transplant procedures and best practices for pre- and post-operative care.
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“Surgical transplantation involves taking a healthy cornea and transplanting it into someone with a diseased cornea to restore vision,” Hollhumer said.
“In the past, the entire cornea was replaced, but now we often replace just the single layer causing the problem.”
The event also featured stories from organ donors and recipients, highlighting the life-saving impact of donation.
Stella de Kock, managing director of TELL (Transplant Education for Living Legacies), shared her experience of living with end-stage renal failure since 2011. She has been on dialysis and waiting for a kidney since 2012.
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“This month is about raising awareness and educating both healthcare professionals and the public on organ and tissue donation. People need to have conversations with their families about their wishes to donate organs after death,” de Kock said.
“South Africa has a low donation rate despite high incidences of kidney failure due to HIV, diabetes and high blood pressure.”
Parents Morongoa Moremi and Thakane Mokgatlhe shared how they donated parts of their livers to save their children’s lives.
Organ recipients Masonwabo Xego, Billy Macleod and Phamela Mavundza recounted their journeys.
Mavundza, who received a kidney at the age of five, celebrated 18 years of her transplant, naming her kidney “Blessing.”
“I am grateful to my donor and their family. I live each day to honour them,” she said.
Macleod, a former Ironman athlete, received a life-saving heart transplant in September 2022 after years of battling cardiac sarcoidosis.
“Receiving a heart was the biggest blessing of my life. I honour my donor every day and aim to inspire others about the importance of organ donation,” he said.
Matron Noma Mdladlana of Arwyp Medical Centre said the campaign aimed to educate the public, honour donors and celebrate recipients.
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“Organ Donation Day reaffirms our commitment to compassion, advocacy and saving lives.
“One donor can save up to seven lives and improve the quality of many more. It is vital to talk to your family about your choice to be a donor.”
The awareness campaign has already begun to change perceptions, with many community members contacting the hospital to learn more and express interest in organ donation.
