Groundbreaking Paediatric Kidney Transplant Gives Young Child a New Lease on Life
February 2026 – Durban – A remarkable medical milestone has been achieved with the successful completion of the first paediatric renal transplant at Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre – a life-saving procedure that has given a young child the chance to grow, thrive, and live a healthier life.
The transplant took place in early February, following the admission of both the donor and recipient. The recipient, a five-year-old child, is the youngest patient to receive a kidney transplant at Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre, marking a significant moment for the hospital’s transplant programme and paediatric care capabilities.
The donor in this extraordinary case was the child’s father, whose selfless decision to donate a kidney provided his child with the priceless gift of life.
Paediatric kidney disease can place enormous strain on young patients and their families. Children with severe kidney failure often require frequent hospital visits, dialysis treatments, and ongoing medical care that can significantly impact normal childhood development. A successful transplant can dramatically improve quality of life, allowing children to grow, play, attend school, and participate more fully in everyday activities.
This highly complex procedure was made possible through the collaboration of a skilled multidisciplinary team from Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre, supported by renowned transplant expertise from Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre.
The recipient’s care was led by Paediatric Nephrologist Dr Elaene Naicker, with the transplant surgery performed by Dr Rajan Moodley and his surgical team, supported by lead transplant surgeon Dr Sharan Rambarran from Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre. The donor’s care was managed by Nephrologist Dr Verushka Reddy, with the donor surgery performed by Dr Shiven Ramkissoon and his team.
The transplant was a success, and both the donor and the child were discharged nine days after the procedure, recovering well and continuing to do well following the transplant.
“This procedure represents not only a major clinical achievement but also an incredible story of courage, love, and generosity,” said Niresh Bechan, hospital CEO. “The collaboration between our experienced teams at Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre and the expertise provided by Dr Sharan Rambarran and Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre demonstrates the importance of partnerships in advancing specialised healthcare and ensuring the very best outcomes for our patients.”
Dr Sharan Rambarran added: “Paediatric transplantation requires a highly coordinated, multidisciplinary approach, and this successful outcome highlights what can be achieved when experienced teams work together in the best interests of the patient. It was a privilege to support the Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre team in achieving this important milestone and helping give this young child a healthier future.”
Beyond the success of this individual transplant, the milestone also highlights the critical importance of organ donation.
Across South Africa and around the world, thousands of patients, including many children, are waiting for life-saving transplants. For many, the availability of a suitable donor can mean the difference between life and death.
Organ donation offers individuals the chance to become real-life heroes. One organ donor has the potential to save or dramatically improve multiple lives.
“Every organ donor gives someone a second chance,” Niresh added. “By choosing to register as an organ donor, anyone can make a life-changing difference. It is one of the most powerful and generous decisions a person can make.”
The successful paediatric kidney transplant at Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre stands as a testament to medical excellence, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the extraordinary impact of organ donation.
As this young patient begins a new chapter in life, the story serves as a powerful reminder that one act of generosity can save a life, and give a child the future they deserve.
About Lenmed
Lenmed is a leading private healthcare provider committed to delivering quality, patient-centred care across its network of hospitals and specialised healthcare services. Through clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate care, Lenmed continues to improve health outcomes for the communities it serves. Lenmed currently operates in Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. For more information on the Group and Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre’s transplant programme, visit our website www.lenmed.com
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