Raising awareness about organ and tissue donation

SINGAPORE: More than 250 transplant patients, volunteers and healthcare professionals came together to commemorate SingHealth’s annual Transplant Awareness Week.

The event, now in its third year, aims to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation.

SingHealth said the number of organs donated remains low in Singapore, compared to other developed countries.

About 100 patients receive transplants every year, but an average of 15 people die each year while waiting for an organ transplant.

To raise awareness, the event had kicked—off earlier in the week with a five—day roadshow culminating to the event’s inaugural Transplant Awareness Walk in the heartlands.

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong flagged off the walk.

Participants walked around neighbourhoods in Ang Mo Kio, Toa Payoh, Bedok, Hougang and Serangoon, distributing information leaflets and giveaways.

The walk reached out to more than 2,000 heartlanders.

— CNA/cc