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Campaign to increase BAME organ donors

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Campaign to increase BAME organ donors

A campaign in England delivered by NHS Blood and Transplant is seeking to recruit more black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) donors.

The campaign follows figures that show 21 per cent of people who died on the waiting list last year were from a BAME background. The figure was 15 per cent a decade ago.

An NHS Blood and Transplant report reveals only seven per cent of donors last year were from black and Asian backgrounds. Family refusal continues to be the biggest obstacle to organ donation among these communities. Around half as many BAME families support organ donation compared with families from a white background.

Health Minister Jackie Doyle-Price said: "I am delighted that this year more people than ever from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds have received life-saving transplants. This shows great progress, but the fact remains that if you are from any one of these communities, you are more likely to need a transplant, for the simple reason that you are more likely to suffer from a disease that requires a transplant. At the same time, you are less likely to get a transplant than if you were white.

"The campaign we are launching today will be a driving force to save more lives. The government, MPs, faith leaders, charities, campaigners, influencers, friends and families all have a role to play to address myths and barriers and bring attention to the lifesaving power of donation.

"Our project will include a community investment scheme to enable local groups to deliver this vital work. For now, I would ask on behalf of everyone who has received a transplant, and everyone who is waiting for the life-changing news that an organ has been found: sign up to donate and give the gift of life."

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