South Africa Organ Donor foundation has encouraged the South Africans to become organ donors on the occasion of World Health Day.

Praveena Vather was suffering from flu, which led to bronchitis and later attacked her heart muscles. Doctors suggested her for heart transplant after her heart got destroyed rapidly. She has become the first woman to receive the heart transplant in KZN. Ms. Vather shared her experiences with Newswatch on how her life changed after the transplantation. Some 11 years back, she had to undergo the operation.

Vather said that she was very sick for almost one year, but after the tough recovery period she has been living an active and a healthy life.

The foundation revealed that many people who can live with the transplantation, even those people die because of long waiting lists. The foundation encouraged people to become organ donors. They said that only one donor can save the life of many people.

The foundation also revealed that around 3,500 people are still on the waiting lists for heart transplantation in South Africa. Organs such as kidneys, liver, lungs, heart and pancreas can be donated.

Linda Peel, Executive Director of the Organ Donor Foundation, said, “As an organ donor, it is possible for everyone to help to build a healthy world”.