Kidney - why someone may need a kidney transplant.
Kidney failure or chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the main reason why someone may need a kidney transplant. This is when the kidneys are no longer working and they cannot remove toxins from the blood or balance fluid or minerals.
Are you looking for a kidney donor?
There can be many questions that are running through your mind, or maybe you don’t even know where to start. One thing you may have never considered is that your ethnicity has a part to play in finding your donor match.
That is why ACLT are here to not only support you but advocate for you. Whether you need us to appeal for you to find your kidney match, or you need some reassuring words – we are here.
What condition’s can cause kidney failure?
Why a kidney transplant can save lives
Kidney transplant’s offer a better quality of life and longer survival rates. For many patients, a new kidney gives them a second chance at life.
However, finding a matching kidney donor is challenging — especially for patients from Black and mixed-heritage backgrounds. These patients often face longer waits for organ transplants because of a lack of donors from their communities.
Why ethnicity matters in kidney transplants
When someone needs a kidney transplant, finding a suitable match is about more than just blood type. The best matches are based on genetic markers called tissue types, which are influenced by a person’s ethnicity.
Patients from Black or mixed-heritage backgrounds are more likely to find a match from a donor of the same ethnic background. Unfortunately, there is a severe shortage of Black and mixed-heritage donors on the organ donation register.
Shortage’s can have devastating consequences. Patients who wait longer for a transplant often experience worsening health, reduced quality of life, and lower survival rates.
Why aren’t there enough Black donors?
Lack of awareness about the need for organ donation within Black communities. As a leading Blood cancer/disorder charity, and organ transplant charity, the (ACLT) African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust is dedicated to raising awareness of the severe shortage of donors of Black heritage in the United Kingdom.
Cultural and religious concerns may discourage conversations about donation. We understand that there is generational concern’s embedded within Black communities. We try to debunk these myths, and work within cultural and religious groups so we can set the record straight on donation and how it cannot only save someone’s life but maybe one day yours.
If you would like us to talk to your religious group or you are a religious group who want’s to work with the ACLT, please contact Melissa, our Donor Recruitment Development Officer at melissa@aclt.org
Distrust in healthcare systems, can make people less likely to engage in donation discussions.
Black communities’ mistrust in healthcare systems stems from historical medical mistreatment and health inequalities that persist today. Studies show Black patients are more likely to experience racism, misdiagnosis, and unequal access to care, contributing to lower trust in medical institutions.
If you would like support as someone who feels like they have been mistreated or you want to speak to us more about your diagnosis or donating please get in contact, we are happy to support you, and our dedicated patient support team will answer any questions that you have.
Get in touch – here.
You have the power to save lives
By joining the organ donation register, you could be the match that someone desperately needs. Many patients from your community are fighting for their lives, waiting for a match that may never come. You can be the difference.
One kidney donation can save a life, giving someone a second chance. If you are of Black heritage or a minority group, you can help reduce the disparities Black and dual-heritage patients face.
