Paper Organs (Taiwan)
A Culturally Sensitive Approach to Increase Organ Donation in Taiwan
Taiwan faces a cultural barrier to organ donation due to the belief that the body must remain intact. To address this, the Taiwan Organ Sharing Registry & Patient Autonomy Promotion Center developed Paper Organs. These beautifully crafted paper replicas of organs, created by artist Chen Wen-tai, allow families to symbolically send organs to their loved ones in the afterlife, adhering to the tradition of “Joss Paper Burning.”
Paper Organs is more than just a functional product; it’s a cultural symbol that breaks taboos. It provides comfort to grieving families, eases their decision-making process, and shifts public perception towards organ donation.
The campaign’s success speaks volumes: a 28% increase in organ donation consent forms, collaboration with key hospitals, and a surge in positive social media discussions.
This innovative approach demonstrates the power of cultural sensitivity in promoting a life-saving cause.