Kazakh deputy prime minister backs posthumous organ donation

Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister Aida Balayeva has publicly given her consent to posthumous organ donation, calling for greater awareness of the issue while stressing that the decision should remain a personal choice.

The documentary 4739 prompted her to reflect on the value of human life and the importance of organ transplantation, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media.

She said 4,739 people in Kazakhstan, including 125 children, are currently awaiting transplants. Around 90% of transplant operations rely on living related donors, while fewer than 10% are made possible through posthumous organ donation.

Balayeva stressed that no one should be pressured or judged over their decision regarding organ donation, adding that both the wishes of potential donors and the choices of grieving families must be respected.

"If my loved ones ever face such a decision, I would like them to understand how important it is to give those who desperately want to live a chance. I responsibly declare that I consent to posthumous organ donation," she noted.

She added that the issue should be discussed with understanding, responsibility and respect for human life, noting that for thousands of patients, a transplant remains their only hope of survival.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov