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The theme of Organ Donation Day 2024 is: Be the reason for someone's smile today! (Image: Shutterstock)
World Organ Donation Day was established to address the growing need for organ donations around the world.
World Organ Donation Day is celebrated every year on August 13 to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and encourage people to register as organ donors. Donations of organs such as kidneys, heart, pancreas, eyes and lungs can save the lives of people suffering from chronic diseases around the world.
The theme for World Organ Donation Day 2024 is “Be the reason for someone’s smile today!” This theme aims to raise awareness about the critical need for organ donation and inspire people to consider becoming organ donors.
History of World Organ Donation Day
World Organ Donation Day was established to address the growing need for organ donations around the world.
The history of organ transplantation dates back to the early 20th century, when the first successful kidney transplant occurred in 1954. Ronald Lee Herrick was the first person to donate his organ to his twin brother, and Dr. Joseph Murray was the physician who carried out this successful organ transplant process.
Since then, advances in medical science have made it possible to transplant hearts, livers, lungs and other organs, dramatically improving and saving lives. Despite these advances, there remains a significant gap between the number of organs needed and those available for transplant.
In India, to promote the act of organ donation, National Organ Day was celebrated on 27 November 2010 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, run by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO).
In 2023, India Organ Donation Day was shifted to 3 August, to commemorate the first successful deceased donor heart transplant performed in India on 3 August 1994.
Importance of World Organ Donation Day
World Organ Donation Day not only aims to raise awareness but also to foster a culture of giving and saving lives.
This day helps raise awareness about the critical need for organ donors and how organ donation can save lives. There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding organ donation, which in turn prevent people from becoming donors.
World Organ Donation Day addresses these misconceptions by providing accurate information and encouraging informed decisions.
Quotes for World Organ Donation Day 2024
- “The measure of life is not its length but its gift.” -Peter Marshall
- “There will come a time when all the pieces will fall into place.” -Nitya Prakesh
- “I would donate anything that anyone would accept.” -George Clooney
- “I learned that there is power deep within you, and you can find it when you don’t give up and ask for help.” -Selena Gomez
- “Share your life. Share your decision.” – Michael Jordan
- “Live life after death: Commit to donating your body” – Amit Abraham
