Dr. Turki Al-Otaibi, President of the Kuwait Organ Transplant Society, Head of the Department of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation, and President of the Arab Society of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation, said organ donation is not just a medical practice, rather it is a moral and humanitarian commitment that reflects mercy.
Marking World Organ Donation Day 2025, held this year under the theme ‘Answering the Call,’ Al-Otaibi said that each donated organ offers patients a renewed hope to live. “With every organ donated, hope springs to life, and life is renewed for patients awaiting this vital moment,” he noted.
Al-Otaibi highlighted Kuwait’s achievements in this field, supported by national leadership and the vision of the Ministry of Health.
These include expanded heart and kidney transplant programs, plans to launch lung transplantation soon, and growing public awareness campaigns. Currently, about 15,000 people in Kuwait hold organ donor cards.
Despite progress, Al-Otaibi pointed to a global crisis which according to the World Health Organization, fewer than 10% of patients in need of transplants receive one each year.
In 2023, 172,000 transplants were performed globally, while over 1.5 million patients were in need — leaving nine out of ten without a timely transplant. This shortage results in thousands of deaths annually.
In Kuwait, 2024 saw a record 149 kidney transplants. However, there are still about 500 kidney patients, 30 liver patients, 10 heart patients, 5 pancreas patients, 5 lung patients, and 13 cases awaiting combined kidney-pancreas transplants on waiting lists.
Al-Otaibi praised the Ministry of Health and medical teams for their pioneering efforts, and expressed gratitude to all donors, calling their contribution a noble act that saves lives and improves quality of life.
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