By Kotie Geldenhuys; Photos courtesy of GroundUp
In the early 1900s, the idea of transplanting human organs seemed like nothing short of a miracle, a fantasy of science fiction. That dream started to take shape on 23 December 1954 when the first successful kidney transplant was performed at Massachusetts General Hospital in the United States (Leeson and Desia, 2015). It was a groundbreaking moment in medical history. More than a decade later, in 1967, a new milestone was achieved when South Africa’s own Dr Christiaan Barnard performed the world’s first heart transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town (Western Cape Government, 2014). The impossible became possible. Over the years, what was once viewed as miraculous became routine. Today, organ transplants are performed regularly, saving countless lives. However, this advancement has a darker side. The growing demand for organs has given rise to a thriving black market, where illegal organ sales and illicit procurement activities flourish, casting a shadow over what was once considered a medical marvel.
Organ transplants have long been hailed as life-saving procedures, offering hope to thousands of patients worldwide. Each organ donor can save up to seven lives and significantly improve the lives of more than 50 others through tissue donations. Organ donation typically involves vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys, while tissue donation includes skin, corneas and bones (Department of Health, 2024). Despite these incredible advancements, the demand for organs far exceeds the available supply.
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[This is only an extract of an article that is published in Servamus: December 2024. This article is available for purchase.]