In the province, the second-highest number of adult kidney transplants ever recorded took place between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023. A total of 46 transplants were successfully performed, made possible by a record number of deceased donors during that period, with 30 individuals selflessly donating their organs. Currently, there are 800 adult and pediatric residents in Saskatchewan who have received donated organs, according to a government statement. Additionally, 276 patients generously donated ocular tissue, benefiting recipients with visual impairments.
The positive shift in organ donation and transplantation in Saskatchewan was acknowledged by Dr. Michael Moser, a transplant surgeon in Saskatoon. He mentioned that discussing organ donation can be uncomfortable for many people due to the association with human mortality. However, various factors contributed to the culture shift, and one influential example was Logan Boulet. Boulet tragically lost his life in April 2018 when the bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team collided with a truck. Prior to the accident, Boulet had signed up to be an organ donor. His decision led to six people across Canada receiving life-saving organs. The "Logan Boulet Effect" prompted nearly 147,000 Canadians to register as organ donors within two months of learning about Boulet's selfless act.
Dr. Moser highlighted the positive changes that have taken place and expressed optimism about discussions surrounding presumed consent and efforts to educate the younger generation about organ donation in schools and high schools. Despite the progress, the nation still faces the unfortunate reality that 25 to 30 percent of patients on the transplant waiting list do not survive. These patients often endure organ failure for an extended period, spending significant time in hospitals while uncertain about receiving the transplant they desperately need. However, once they do receive a transplant, often referred to as "the gift of life," most patients experience a remarkable and immediate turnaround in their health.
The government emphasized that only 32 percent of Canadians have registered to be organ donors, underscoring the ongoing need for increased awareness and participation in organ donation programs.
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Europe may face challenges during the summer months due to the lasting effects of COVID-19, as well as the presence of other threats such as mpox and seasonal heat waves, warned the regional director for Europe at the World Health Organization (WHO). While this summer may be the first in more than three years without the looming threat of COVID-19, the virus has not completely disappeared, and it still causes at least 1,000 new deaths across the region every week. Additionally, the region has seen a significant number of people experiencing "long COVID" over the past three years, with an estimated 36 million individuals affected. Long COVID and the impact of COVID-19 on other diseases, such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic lung illnesses, continue to contribute to mortality rates in the region. WHO called for more research to develop comprehensive diagnostics and treatment for long COVID.
Dr. Hans Kluge emphasized the importance of vaccination, particularly for eligible individuals, including vulnerable groups, to achieve at least 70% vaccine coverage. He also encouraged adopting a healthier lifestyle, including regular physical activity, smoking cessation, reducing alcohol consumption, and limiting salt intake, as these measures can enhance resilience against both infectious and non-communicable diseases.
Dr. Kluge also issued a warning about the possibility of extremely hot weather during the summer, which has become the norm rather than the exception. Last year, extreme heat resulted in 20,000 deaths in the region between June and August. He advised individuals to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, keep homes cool, and support vulnerable individuals such as elderly relatives and neighbors.
The regional director highlighted a recent resurgence of mpox infections in the United States, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom. While the number of cases in the European region has been relatively low, he urged those in high-risk groups to get vaccinated, minimize contact with others when experiencing symptoms, and avoid close physical contact, including sexual contact, with individuals who have mpox. Dr. Kluge praised the United Kingdom's vaccination efforts and called on other countries to reduce barriers to testing, vaccination, and care for high-risk groups.
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The FDA grants approval to specific safer alternatives backed by scientific evidence, but the WHO holds a contradictory position, recommending the exposure of legal-age smokers to harmful substances. In a more recent occurrence, the WHO postponed notifying member countries, resulting in the rapid spread of COVID. India stood out by adopting a unique and tailored approach to combat the virus on a large scale.
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