This article originally appeared on the front page of the Daily Jang (10 July 2013)
One way we can help to save or improve the quality of life for others is by becoming an organ donor.
Last year in the UK, 4000 lives were transformed by receiving a transplant. Sadly, there are 10,000 people are on the waiting list and three people every day will die because there are simply not enough organs available. You can help to change this.
This week is National Transplant Week, which encourages more people to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register and to pass the message on to friends and families. Hopefully you will have the time to visit the website and learn more about it.
A significant number of those waiting for a transplant are from ethnic minorities. Because the best matched transplants have the best outcomes, people with the same ethnic group are more likely to be a close match. This means that ethnic background can be important.
However low numbers of donations from ethnic groups means that Asian and other minorities often have to wait up to three times as long for a transplant than the general population.
Ethnic minorities are also three times more likely to require a transplant because of diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which can contribute to kidney failure.
The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is up to six times greater amongst South Asian and African-Caribbean communities than in the general population. 17% of people waiting for a kidney transplant are Asian and 9% are black.
Donations are a personal choice and no one should be criticised for saying no. But there are several misconceptions about the issue, especially surrounding the cultural and religious barriers to organ donation.
Many people feel that their faith doesn’t allow it. But all the major religions of the UK support the principles of organ donation and transplantation.
As the son of an imam, I understand these concerns but I know that organ donation draws on one of the basic aims of the Muslim faith to save life. As the Holy Qur’an says: "Whosoever saves the life of one person it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind."
It’s also important, if you are currently a registered donor or do decide to become one, to discuss your wishes with family members. More than 90% of families will agree to donations if a loved one is registered and has discussed their wishes, but this drops to 40% if the donor’s wishes are not known.
This week is an excellent opportunity to learn more about becoming an organ donor and understand the importance of transplantation in saving lives. Please do pass this message onto others so they too can consider giving their support.