The recent enactment of Uganda’s human organ donation and transplant law, coupled with the inaugural kidney transplant at Mulago National Referral Hospital, has evoked a spectrum of reactions within the country.
For patients awaiting life-saving organ transplants, these developments represent a beacon of hope. However, skepticism surrounds the living organ donation program, with doubts emerging about the feasibility of convincing individuals to donate organs, notably kidneys or parts of livers, to save lives.
Dr. Frank Asiimwe, a Transplant Surgeon and Consultant Urologist at Mulago National Referral Hospital, stressed the importance of disseminating information to encourage participation in organ donation. Addressing concerns about theft and trafficking of human organs, Dr. Asiimwe emphasized the complexities involved in organ transplantation, likening it not to spare parts but to time-sensitive medical procedures.
“When you see the number of people perishing on the roads on the rise every year, everyone needs to be involved in ensuring that the roads are safe. Most of the people we’re losing are children and those of the productive age which is below 35. We cannot progress as a country when we are losing our young people every day in road crashes,” Bambanza said.
Understanding Organ Donation:
Organ donation becomes necessary when an individual’s organ functions deteriorate significantly or fail entirely. Transplanting an organ can extend life expectancy and afford those with chronic illnesses the opportunity for a normal lifespan.
Dr. Asiimwe elaborated on the process, stating, “People after they have had their kidney fail, and when that failure is irreversible, ultimately, they need a new kidney.” Dialysis, a temporary solution, is employed to filter toxins from the blood until a suitable organ becomes available.
Types of Organ Transplants:
Uganda has initiated the living donor program, wherein a living individual donates an organ or part thereof for transplantation. Dr. Asiimwe outlined the process, highlighting the necessity of a close relationship between the donor and the recipient for optimal outcomes.
The living donor program primarily targets organs like kidneys and parts of livers, with donors typically being close relatives or spouses. Although advances in medical science allow for unrelated donors, familial relationships remain preferable for better compatibility and reduced risk of rejection.
Cadaveric Organ Donation:
The alternative category, cadaveric organ donation (COD), involves harvesting organs from deceased individuals to save lives. Dr. Asiimwe explained the legal procedures and criteria for such donations, emphasizing the importance of affirming one’s willingness to donate organs posthumously.
The forthcoming segment of URN’s series will delve into the Human Organ Donation And Transplant Act of 2022, shedding light on its provisions and addressing pertinent concerns, such as the prohibition of organ sales.