World Organ Donation Day

August 13, Wednesday

This international holiday is observed annually on August 13 and aims to raise awareness about the current shortage of donor organs and motivate organ donation.

History of the holiday
The term "World Organ Donation Day" began to be used in the early 2000s when organizations such as WHO and the International Society for Organ Donation (ISOD) established this day as part of a global campaign against myths about donation.
Additionally, some sources associate it with the birthday of Christiaan Barnard — the surgeon who performed the first successful heart transplant in 1967, and the initiator is the Spanish National Transplant Organization (ONT), which started this day in 2005.
Of course, the roots of organ donation go far back — in 1954 the first successful kidney transplant from a living donor was performed in the USA.

Why it matters
Firstly, it is an opportunity to tell about the life-saving importance of donation: one donor can save up to eight lives and improve dozens more.
Secondly, the day serves as a platform to raise awareness, dispel myths, and encourage potential donor registration.
Moreover, the holiday pays tribute to donors and their families — heroes whose decisions save others' lives.

How it is celebrated
In many countries, social media campaigns, educational events, online lectures, and donor registration drives are held. The theme for 2024 — "Be the Reason for Someone’s Smile Today!" — calls everyone to be a source of joy and hope for others.
Some organizations use creative approaches: for example, a music festival in Sweden offers a “Kidney Pass” — tickets for those who commit to becoming donors after death. In India, many meetings, ceremonies, and the opening of new medical laboratories to improve donor selection processes are organized.

What you can do
Talk with your family about your choice to become a donor. Register in national donor systems. Support information campaigns, share stories, spread the truth about donation.

World Organ Donation Day is a celebration of life, mercy, and hope. Visit our portal — — to learn more and get inspired to do good deeds.

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World Organ Donation Day in other years

2021 August 13, Friday
2022 August 13, Saturday
2023 August 13, Sunday
2024 August 13, Tuesday
2026 August 13, Thursday

World Organ Donation Day in other countries