On March 18, recognized as China's National Protect Liver Day, CGTN engaged in a profound discussion with Dr. Xia Qiang, a paramount figure in liver surgery and hepatology in China. Dr. Xia serves as an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and presides over Renji Hospital, which is affiliated with the School of Medicine at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

During the conversation, Dr. Xia highlighted a significant case from 2022, where a life-saving living donor liver transplantation was carried out on a 58-day-old infant facing severe liver failure. This remarkable operation underscores the life-changing potential of living organ donation.

According to Dr. Xia, extensive clinical experience indicates that living liver donations are considerably more suitable for younger patients when compared to transplants from deceased donors. This insight sheds light on the unique challenges and needs of pediatric liver disease patients.

In China, the framework surrounding living organ donation is orchestrated through strict regulations. Article 11 of the Rules of Human Organ Donation and Transplant, which have been issued by the State Council, meticulously delineates that living organ recipients may only include spouses, direct family members, or relatives within the third degree of kinship.

In the video segment, Dr. Xia elaborates on the enhanced effectiveness of living donor liver transplants for children grappling with acute liver diseases. He also provides clarity on how the organ donation and allocation system is systematically governed within China.

The discourse delivered by Dr. Xia reinforces the importance of regulated organ donation, promoting awareness and highlighting the significance of living donor transplants as a viable option that can dramatically alter the prognosis for children suffering from liver conditions.

By sharing expert insights on the topic, Dr. Xia aims to foster a greater understanding of the medical advancements in liver transplantation and the vital role that living donors play in saving lives, particularly among pediatric patients.

The informative video discussion captures the essence of Dr. Xia’s insights, underscoring the growing significance of living organ donation in the face of liver-related health crises among children.

This interview with Dr. Xia not only emphasizes the medical advancements being made in the field but also calls attention to the pressing need for continued advocacy for organ donation regulation to ensure familial and compassionate donation practices.

Videographer: Li Jian, Video editor: Xu Wen, Cover design: Liang Qian.