rssMar 23, 2026, 06:00

People like Fatima are looking for a kidney, but a shortage of non-Western donors makes it difficult

A shortage of organ and blood donors with non-Western backgrounds in the Netherlands is creating longer waiting lists and fewer successful matches for patients from those communities. The initiative Donor Van Ons aims to raise awareness and address cultural misconceptions to encourage more diverse donations, which can lead to better medical outcomes and fewer complications. Patients like Fatima Bouazzaoui, who is waiting for a kidney transplant, highlight the urgent need for donors from similar ethnic backgrounds to save lives.

Culture Lifestyle Health Amsterdam Netherlands

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Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Aid worker Tim has been volunteering at Amsterdam Marathon for nearly nine years

Tim Zandbergen has volunteered as a first aid responder for the Amsterdam Marathon for nearly nine years, using his bicycle to provide rapid medical assistance. He carries essential equipment like an AED to help participants and spectators during emergencies, including life-threatening situations.

Freek Gillissen (1955-2026) was a tower of strength for people with dementia and their loved ones

Freek Gillissen, a nursing consultant and co-founder of Alzheimercentrum Amsterdam, has died at the age of 71. He was highly regarded for his commitment to supporting both dementia patients and their families by fostering meaningful communication during the progression of the disease.

Hannah Mae struggled with panic and depression for a long time: 'Kept it to myself for a long time'

Singer Hannah Mae has spoken out about her past struggles with panic and depression, which she kept hidden for a long time while pursuing her music career. She overcame these challenges through therapy, personal reflection, and sharing her experiences in her new song, Adem Uit Adem In.

Chatterbox Roderik connects people with each other

Roderik Schaepman has launched the Week of the Conversation, an initiative aimed at encouraging social interaction to combat loneliness and declining communication skills. By setting up designated spaces at locations like the Haarlem train station, he encourages people to overcome social hesitation through simple steps like greeting and complimenting strangers.

Municipality to open its own healthy restaurant to combat excess of fast food outlets

The Amsterdam municipal government plans to open and then deny a permit for its own unhealthy restaurant to test legal limits regarding health-based zoning. By taking the matter to court, officials aim to establish a precedent that would allow the city to restrict new fast-food establishments in the future.