(Trinidad Guardian) Trinidad and Tobago is on course to record its 200th kidney transplant in this country next week.
The donation and transplantation programme in T&T started in 2006 under the National Organ Transplant Unit (NOTU).
So far 198 transplants have been done since then.
Two more transplants are scheduled for next week, Dr Hassina Mohammed, resident in anaesthesia/intensive care and transplant procurement manager associated with NOTU, told Guardian Media Ltd.
Of the 198 transplants so far 152 have been from living donors. The remaining 46 were from 27 deceased donors. This news comes as World Kidney Day 2022 will be celebrated today.
More good news was delivered yesterday when it was announced that Dr Shaun Lynch was appointed medical director of NOTU. He officially assumed office on March 1.
World Kidney Day is a global campaign aimed at raising awareness of kidney health and is celebrated on the second Thursday of March, annually.
This year’s theme is “Kidney Health for Everyone – Bridge the knowledge gap to better kidney care”.
Traditionally, the Kidney Recipients Support Group of T&T (KRSGOTT) would host a series of events throughout the year in an effort to build awareness about the day. These activities included mall outreach programmes, school outreach programmes and they would also participate in several health fairs through the year.
Its flagship event, however, would usually be a health fair and walkathon. However, in March of 2020, just two days before the walkathon and health fair, the group took a decision to postpone the event, in light of the spread of COVID-19, in the interest of the health and safety of our community.
Transplant patients are among the most at-risk groups in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kidney recipients are required to take drugs that suppress the body’s immune system to prevent the natural rejection of the transplanted organ.
“The COVID-19 virus has had a profound effect on our transplant community in T&T. As of January of this year, the mortality rate was at 52 per cent among our transplant patients. Sadly, among those who passed were two executive members of KRSGOTT,” the group told Guardian Media.
“As we continue to navigate through these uncertain times, we look to find new ways of building awareness until we can once again come together in person,” KRSGOTT stated.
The KRSGOTT said they will always be grateful to the beloved members they have lost.
“Their contributions will forever be treasured,” they stated.
