Organ donation for saving life

Every year, many people in Bangladesh lose their lives due to organ failure. Most of them succumb to kidney and liver failures. Despite the enactment of legislation aimed at regulating organ transplantation, Bangladesh is yet to embrace the opportunity. The authorities concerned should campaign for promoting organ donation. A comprehensive public awareness campaign is crucial to get over the taboos and educate the public about its benefit in saving lives. Healthcare professionals, clerics and community leaders can play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and dispelling any misconceptions related to organ donation. Collaborative efforts involving the public and private sectors are essential to create an environment where donating organs is viewed as a commendable and life-affirming deed.
Many people die of organ failure each year. Had there been a robust organ donation programme in Bangladesh, some of those lives could be saved. Once only close relatives could donate organs to patients in the country. But now, things have changed. In 2018, the government amended the organ donation law allowing transplantation of organs from the brain-dead with the consent from relatives. However, donating organs posthumously is still unpopular in Bangladesh. Effective publicity of organ transplant success stories, ethical considerations from diverse religious perspectives and the broader positive societal impact are crucial for inspiring a positive shift in attitudes. There is need for collective efforts to promote a culture of donation. Coordinated efforts, increased public awareness and proactive measures by the authorities can significantly reduce unnecessary loss of lives due to organ failure.

Afroza Sheikh, Dania, Dhaka,
[email protected]