Organ and Tissue Donation Week: Around 140 People Await Organ Transplants

Organ and Tissue Donation Week, held from November 3 to 9, aims to raise awareness about organ donation. Since 2019, 66 kidney transplants have been performed in Northern Cyprus, while only 4 heart transplants have been carried out.

Birtan highlighted that one of the main reasons for the shortage of organ donations is a lack of awareness and insufficient public education on the issue. He also pointed out that, despite the passing of the Organ Transplantation Law, state policies have not yet fully developed, and there is a need for greater awareness regarding organ donation.

Lack of Awareness the Key Barrier to Organ Donations

Birtan stressed that the lack of societal awareness is one of the main obstacles to organ donation. He explained that while awareness has been insufficient within the community, the issue is not only a health concern but also a psychological and sociological one. He called for increased public service announcements and educational campaigns to raise awareness.

Among the patients waiting for transplants, kidney transplants are the most in-demand, with 100-120 patients waiting for a kidney and around 20 awaiting heart transplants. "So far, 66 kidney transplants have been performed—34 from living donors and 32 from cadavers. The number of patients waiting is around 100-120," Birtan said. He also mentioned that since heart transplants began in 2019, only 4 patients have received heart transplants, with 20 more waiting.

Reluctance Towards Organ Transplants

Birtan noted that patients are generally hesitant about organ transplants, especially heart transplants. "Unfortunately, we face challenges in educating patients. Organ transplants are generally not well received," he said, emphasizing the need for both donors and patients to approach the process more positively. He reiterated the importance of increasing public awareness on this issue.

Information Gaps and Public Awareness Challenges

Birtan pointed out that a key barrier to organ donation is a lack of information. Many people do not understand when and how to donate organs. Overcoming these obstacles will require public service announcements, seminars, and information campaigns. He suggested setting up informational booths in city centers in cooperation with various social and cultural institutions.

Northern Cyprus Behind in Organ Donation Compared to Developed Countries

Birtan remarked that organ donation processes in developed countries function smoothly, and that Turkey has made significant strides in addressing this issue over the past 10-15 years. However, he stressed that Northern Cyprus is still at the beginning stages of this process. Despite the passing of organ donation laws, information gaps and lack of awareness remain major barriers.

Common Misconceptions About Organ Donation

Birtan also addressed misconceptions surrounding organ donation, particularly the belief that organs are automatically removed and buried upon death. He clarified that organ donation only occurs after brain death and when a suitable recipient is found, stressing that such misconceptions push people away from considering organ donation.

How to Become an Organ Donor

Birtan emphasized that those wishing to become organ donors must apply to the Ministry of Health's Organ Donation Unit. He concluded by stating that Northern Cyprus’ population is sensitive to organ donation, and with sufficient information, these issues can be easily overcome.