BRAZIL: New Electronic Organ Donation System Boosts Transplant Hope And Increases Donor Registration

In Brazil, a substantial challenge looms over the field of organ and tissue donation, as underscored by data from the Ministry of Health in 2023. Despite the world’s largest public transplant program, over 40% of families declined organ donation from deceased relatives, leaving more than 68,000 individuals languishing on waiting lists. As of November 2023, only 28,000 transplants were conducted, perpetuating a dire inequality that sees nearly 30% of hopeful recipients passing away before receiving the lifesaving organs they need.

A pivotal measure introduced by the Corregedoria Nacional de Justiça aims to change this narrative by easing the donation process through electronic authorization. This initiative allows potential donors to declare their intentions online without the burdensome requirement of physical or electronic seals. Such simplifications afford families better engagement opportunities and ensure donor declarations are securely verified through video consultations with a notary public, thus potentially increasing the number of donors.

Individuals like Shirley, who electronically logged her decision to donate, exemplify the growing number of Brazilians embracing this streamlined approach. In Belo Horizonte, the notary office saw a notable surge in donor registrations following a collaborative campaign by the Conselho Nacional de Justiça and the Colégio Notarial do Brasil. This movement was propelled by local awareness initiatives, including promotional videos and events at shopping centers, spurring a significant increase in authorizations.

The case of Alberto, who succumbed while awaiting a liver transplant, illustrates the heartbreak inherent in these statistics. Alessandra, having endured similar tragedy, now advocates for organ donation, understanding its potential to transform lives. With more engaged donors, recipients can resume normal activities, underscoring the necessity for continued awareness and consent. The pressing imperative remains: to boost donations to bridge the chasm between the surging demand and the limited donor pool, thereby offering thousands a renewed lease on life.

First published 2025-01-16 18:10:13


Transplant News
Transplant News

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