'Number of organ donors has dropped in HK'

The Hong Kong Transplant Sports Association said organ donors have decreased by 60 percent in the SAR compared to 10 years ago. Dr Chau Ka-foon, founder and honorary chairperson of the association, said one of the reasons is because of Covid, during which not only the number of donors decreased due to deaths, but hospitals closed down and staff were infected. Chau said in a survey that they carried out, many people indicated they're willing to donate their organs, but there are different reasons why they have not come forward. "Not unwilling, they only ignore the necessity of organ donation, maybe they are not in contact with other patients who are in need, so they are not aware of their existence," she said. Chau added that Hong Kong people are very busy, and they don't go online and register as organ donors. The association also said it will host a sports day for patients in October, as part of efforts to help with their recovery. One kidney inflammation patient, Peony Choi, is now a badminton athlete. "One year before my kidney transplant, I had to stop all my work, I had to stay at home, just waiting. And you never know when you can have the kidney and at that time my strength was so weak I cannot do anything." She said playing badminton has helped her regain her strength after the organ transplant.