World Organ Donation Day 2025 is celebrated annually on the 13th of August. This day is observed to spread awareness about the need for organ and tissue donation. The World Organ Donation Day is to honor the selfless donors who make the transplant process possible. 

The World Organ Donation Day is observation began from the birthday of Dr. Christian Barnard. He performed the World’s first successful human heart transplant in the year 1967. Therefore, the World Organ Donation Day also serves as a day to inspire compassionate action and encourage the public to register as donors. The day aims to transform public attitudes and enhance the transplant system worldwide. 

Also Read: Important Days in August 2025

World Organ Donation Day​ 2025

World Organ Donation Day, which is celebrated on 13th August, is an international observance dedicated to advancing public awareness about organ and tissue donation. The World Organ Donation 2025 falls on Wednesday, and like each year, the day recognizes the lifesaving impact of donation. 

Also Read: List Of International National Days 2025 Month-Wise List

On this World Organ Donation Day 2025, there are several activities planned, which include awareness campaigns, donor registration drives, and storytelling events to illustrate the human impact of donations. Through these activities, the goal is to raise awareness and infuse a culture of generosity, educate communities, and reduce barriers to participation.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

What is World Organ Donation Day?

World Organ Donation Day is dedicated to spreading awareness regarding organ and tissue donation. This helps in enhancing the public understanding of lifesaving transplant practices. It was first celebrated in 2005, launched by the Spanish National Transplant Organization (ONT) in honor of Dr. Christiaan Barnard’s birthday. 

Since that day, 13th August has been recognized as World Organ Donation Day. A day celebrated worldwide to promote awareness about ethical donation, improve transplant infrastructure, and foster collaboration among healthcare institutions

World Organ Donation Day​ 2025 Theme

World Organ Donation Day 2025 Theme is “Answering the Call,”. This theme has been introduced to put emphasis on the collective responsibility of healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public to support donation frameworks. 

The theme reinforces that organ donation is an act of solidarity and ethical service. Thereby, urging all the healthcare institutions and policymakers to come together to improve organ availability, strengthen public trust, and ensure transparency in the donation process.

Why do We Observe World Organ Donation Day?

The observation of World Organ Donation Day is not symbolic in its terms, but also plays an important role in addressing the global shortage of organ donors. Listed here are some of the major reasons for why do we observe World Organ Donation Day:

• Raising Public Awareness: Many people remain unaware of how organ donation works and the number of lives it can save.
• Encouraging Registration: The day motivates people to formally pledge as organ donors.
• Dispelling Myths: Misunderstandings and cultural beliefs sometimes prevent individuals from becoming donors. Awareness campaigns help clarify facts.
• Honoring Donors: This day pays tribute to those who have selflessly donated their organs, giving others the gift of life.

Organ Donation in India

Over the years, organ donation in India has been rising due to sustained efforts by the government, NGOs, and healthcare organizations. However, the gap between demand and availability remains significant. Together, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, along with organizations like the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO), has been working to increase public participation and streamline donation processes. Check the mentioned points below to know more about Organ donation in India: 

• Deceased Donation Rate: India’s deceased organ donation rate is around 0.65 per million population. This is much lower compared to countries with advanced transplant programs.
• Commonly Donated Organs: Kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, pancreas, and intestines are among the most donated organs.
• Awareness Programs: National campaigns, hospital outreach initiatives, and state-level awareness drives are making gradual progress in encouraging more donors.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store

Organ Donation Law in India

In India, organ donation and transplantation are governed by a legal framework to ensure ethical and safe practices. The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), enacted in 1994 and amended subsequently, lays down the rules for the removal, storage, and transplantation of human organs and tissues. Refer to the provided details below to check the organ donation law in India: 

• Prohibition of commercial dealings in human organs.
• Definition and certification of brain death.
• Requirements for donor consent.
• Licensing of hospitals for transplantation procedures.

Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA)

The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act is often abbreviated as THOTA. It serves as one of the primary legal guidelines for organ donation in India. The body defines the procedure for both living and deceased donations. Thereby also establishes the penalties for violations of these laws. Provided here are the important highlights of THOTA:

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization)

The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization is also referred to as NOTTO. It is the apex body under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The body was established to coordinate and oversee the donation and transplantation activities throughout India. The NOTTO serves numerous functions among which some of the important ones are listed below:

Ready to boost your UPSC 2026 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!

DOWNLOAD PDF