Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, has approved awarding the King Abdulaziz Medal of the Third Class to 200 Saudi organ donors. The recognition will honor both living donors and those who donated after brain death.
The medal is one of the Kingdom’s highest honors and reflects gratitude toward citizens who performed a humanitarian act. Officials said the move also aims to encourage more people to register as organ donors in Saudi Arabia.
Recent figures show that organ donation in the Kingdom is increasing. The rate of living organ donations rose to 4.9% in 2024. This growth has been linked to the success of the kidney exchange program, which allows family members to donate across households. It has also been supported by the expansion of national transplant centers.
The Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation highlighted the role of technology in boosting donations. Digital platforms, including the Tawakkalna app, have made it easier for citizens to register as donors. As a result, the total number of registered donors has reached nearly 540,000.
Medical experts note that modern technology has improved transplant procedures and reduced hospital stays for both donors and patients. This has built greater trust in the system and encouraged more people to consider donation.
The inclusion of deceased donors in the medal recognition also sends a strong message of appreciation. By honoring both the living and those who donated after death, the Kingdom hopes to reinforce the culture of giving and saving lives.
The awarding of the King Abdulaziz Medal highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to healthcare advancement and community welfare. It also reflects a broader effort to promote organ donation as a noble and life-saving act across the country.
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