The subject of organ donation isn’t a topic that is discussed every day, or something that comes up casually in a conversation. And, studies have shown that in many developing countries, the rate of organ donation is very low, prompting the question; why?
"I rarely see any advert or means to educate people on this matter, except requests for blood transfusion, and there is no support system for the donors. And I can’t exactly say that our medical health sector is advanced like in developed countries,” says Samuel Kwizera, a student at Africa International University.
Kwizera says that there is no known framework, commission or committee that engages the public on this matter to raise awareness on the subject.
"There is a high level of ignorance around the subject of organ donation, and so beliefs and assumptions take root in the minds and hearts of people. There is also lack of encouragement to change the public’s beliefs on organ donation, or institutions to educate people on the matter,” says Arnaud Shema, a student at University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology.
Shema believes that a system should be established to provide such services, for people to be aware of the risks and the recipients to have a platform to ask for help and be provided with assistance.
"It’s a very tough decision to have to give up an organ, even when one knows that life goes on eventually,” Shema adds.
Joshua Ishimwe, a graduate of Collège George De Fox De Kagarama, says that it is the most thoughtful action and believes that it may not be easily done, it is however possible based on the approach.
"Most people would gladly do it but it’s never been asked of them, and they have never been in a place to realise there is such a need in order to save a life,” Ishimwe says.
"I believe it does more harm than good, the side effects can be unpredictable and so the donor may have risked their own life for nothing,” says Kellen Mugabekazi, a homeschooling teacher.
She notes that it can be done in desperate times as a last option. In certain countries, donors are paid for an organ, and so Mugabekazi believes that encouraging such a custom is ‘easy money’ for certain people and yet a risk to their lives.
Christian Rwema, a graphic designer at New Life Bible Church, believes that there are two factors that have encouraged the negative assumption that people have regarding the matter. "We don’t trust our sector of medical care, and we don’t have the manpower needed to carry out such surgeries,” he says.
He notes that for something to be accepted by the public, it has to become a common thing, most people who have had such surgeries had to be transferred abroad. The fear around the very subject comes down to stereotypes and bias, especially in Africa.
"Our culture has shaped our ideas and beliefs around death and the afterlife, and so the uncertainty we have around death limits us even more to make such a decision,” says John Kwizera, a student at SOS Technical School of Kagugu. But he believes it can be the end for you but the beginning of a new life for someone else. "Today it can be me in such a dilemma and tomorrow it could be you, so let’s be ready to help even in such a big way,” he says.