Muscat – Oman Transplantation Society is set to conduct a campaign called ‘Legacy of Giving’ on December 19 and 20 in Nizwa in partnership with Ministry of Health. The campaign marks a pivotal step in raising awareness on the importance of organ donation and its potential to save lives, offering hope to patients suffering from organ failure in Oman.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Dr Noreen al Balooshiya, Consultant in Hepatic, Gallbladder and Pancreatic Tumor Surgery and Liver Transplantation, and President of Oman Transplantation Society, emphasised the campaign’s significance in educating the public on the importance of organ donation and transplantation in saving lives of those with organ failure.

The campaign also aims to support patients and their families, creating a platform for community involvement in this noble cause.

“The Legacy of Giving campaign is a vital initiative to enhance societal understanding of organ donation and its transformative impact. It seeks to inspire individuals to contribute to this lifesaving cause while fostering a sense of collective responsibility to support patients in need,” Dr  Noreen said.

Oman Transplantation Society was established in June 2021 as a branch of Oman Medical Association. Since its inception, the society has worked to promote awareness on organ donation, provide support to organ failure patients and their families, and improve organ transplantation services in Oman. The society also organises a wide range of educational events – lectures, conferences and workshops – while fostering partnerships with government and private institutions to strengthen Oman’s transplantation infrastructure.

The campaign in Nizwa will feature engaging activities designed to involve both healthcare professionals and the general public. A scientific programme tailored for medical professionals will focus on advancing their knowledge and understanding of organ donation and transplantation techniques. Public awareness initiatives will include a walkathon through Harat al Aqor and Nizwa Souq.

Additionally, an interactive booth at Nizwa Fort will offer visitors insights into the intricacies of organ donation and transplantation procedures. Community engagement events will also take place aligning with the campaign’s overarching goal of inspiring participation and fostering a culture of giving.

Dr Noreen reflected on the success of previous awareness campaigns, including one conducted during Dhofar Khareef Festival in Salalah, which saw overwhelming public response. She expressed optimism for the event in Nizwa and revealed plans for a similar campaign in Suhar to continue the momentum of spreading awareness.

Highlighting the urgent need for organ donations in Oman, Dr Noreen explained that organ failure is a growing challenge, with issues affecting vital organs like the heart, eyes, pancreas and kidneys. According to Ministry of Health, there are over 3,000 patients with kidney failure in the sultanate, many of whom require urgent transplants. Similarly, several liver patients also need urgent transplants.

To encourage participation, Ministry of Health has leveraged technology through its Shifa app, which has already registered 16,000 donors. Dr Noreen noted that this reflects a positive shift in societal attitudes towards organ donation and demonstrates a growing willingness to contribute to this life-saving activity.

Dr Noreen urged citizens and residents to consider becoming organ donors, emphasising the profound impact such decisions can have. “Organ donation offers hope and a second chance at life for patients battling organ failure. Together, we can build a strong foundation for organ donation programmes in Oman and create a lasting impact on the lives of patients, donors and their families.

“The Legacy of Giving campaign is a beacon of hope, aiming to address the urgent needs of patients while fostering a culture of compassion and collective action. Through collaboration, education and awareness, Oman Transplantation Society is laying the groundwork for a sustainable and impactful organ donation programme across the sultanate,” Dr Noreen added.