The first Man to receive a genetically modified pig kidney transplant has died two months after the operation.

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), which carried out the procedure in March, announced Sunday, May 12, that Richard “Rick” Slayman, 62, has died.

They said there was no indication his death was a result of the transplant.

Transplants of other organs from genetically modified pigs have failed in the past, but the operation on Mr Slayman, who was suffering with end-stage kidney disease, was hailed as a historic milestone.

In addition to kidney disease, Mr Slayman also suffered from Type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

In 2018, he had a human kidney transplant, but it began to fail after five years.

Following his pig kidney transplant on March 16, his doctors confirmed he no longer needed dialysis after the new organ was said to be functioning well.

“Mr Slayman will forever be seen as a beacon of hope to countless transplant patients worldwide and we are deeply grateful for his trust and willingness to advance the field of xenotransplantation,” MGH said in a statement.

Xenotransplantation is the transplanting of living cells, tissues or organs from one species to another.

MGH said it was “deeply saddened” at his sudden death and offered condolences to his family.

Mr Slayman’s relatives said his story was an inspiration.

“Rick said that one of the reasons he underwent this procedure was to provide hope for the thousands of people who need a transplant to survive,” they said.

“Rick accomplished that goal and his hope and optimism will endure forever.

“To us, Rick was a kind-hearted man with a quick-witted sense of humour who was fiercely dedicated to his family, friends, and co-workers,” they added.

While Mr Slayman received the first pig kidney to be transplanted into a human, it is not the first pig organ to be used in a transplant procedure.

Two other patients have received pig heart transplants, but those procedures were unsuccessful as the recipients died a few weeks later.

In one case, there were signs the patient’s immune system had rejected the organ, which is a common risk in transplants.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex came into Nigeria for a private visit following an invitation by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa.

The Director of Sports, Defence Headquarters, DHQ, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis, said the founder of Invictus Games will spend three days in Nigeria and would interact with wounded soldiers and their families.

He said the visit scheduled from 10th to 13th May 2024 would help wounded soldiers in their recovery efforts.

Marquis said: “Because we realised that 80 per cent of our soldiers have been involved in this recovery programme, they are getting better.

“Their outlook on life is positive. You know, when you are engaged in, you experience a permanent disability, you know, issues, it affects your mental health and also your outlook on life.”

Prince Harry and Meghan who are already in Nigeria, First made a visit to children at the Lights Academy in Abuja, Nigeria.

Here are pictures.

RIMA Foundation is set to mark two decades of promoting access to information, raising public consciousness on the need for proper management and security of records and information, and encourages the overall development of the information management community for the benefit of humanity and the industry.

Today, virtually all organizations, regardless of size, possess and manage a legacy of records and information, accumulate a rapidly growing store of records/information, and anticipate a future that is mostly, but not entirely, electronic. 

It’s estimated that more than 90% of the records/information being created today are electronic. 

Coupled with the overwhelming growth of electronic messages – most notably e-mail and instant messaging – the management of records/information has become a critical business and social issue. 

How that information is managed has significant business, legal, and technology ramifications. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what medium is used to create, deliver, or store records/information when determining if content is a record and should be managed accordingly. 

Now, individuals and organizations also produce a vast range of important records/information – such as letters, reports, emails, marketing materials, studies, engineering drawings, handwritten consultation notes, and committee minutes – all of which constitutes an organization’s memory of its processes and procedures, and its knowledgebase of its expertise, experience, and specializations.

For this reason, Records and Information Management Awareness Foundation (RIMA Foundation), was established as a brainchild of Dr Ayodeji Oyewole Oyedokun, the founder / chairman – Board of Directors at The International University of Information Management [IUIM], who is also celebrating his 50th birthday.

RIMA foundation’s drive is to bring together knowledge and create awareness about information management and security to improve the information management/security awareness globally thereby promoting transparency and accountability in both public and private organisations. 

“For many organizations and individuals, records/information will continue to be important for as far ahead as they can see even though they will rely increasingly on knowledge management technology”, Dr. Oyedokun said.

RIMA Awards now International Management Merit [IDMM] Awards 

The Foundation has also set up plans to appreciate the data​ & information management community through the International Management Merit [IDMM] Awards. 

Coincidentally, Dr Ayodeji Oyewole Oyedokun will be marking his 50th birthday – it is a double celebration for him!

Formerly known as the RIMA Awards, this esteemed event celebrates excellence and innovation in Data, Information, Content, Archives, Records, Document Management & Security.

Since its inception in 2005, the RIMA Awards have been the beacon of recognition, highlighting outstanding efforts in promoting proper management and security of records and information. 

As the largest event of its kind in Africa, these awards symbolize excellence and innovation in the IM, IT, and business world.

“By recognizing these efforts, we aim to emphasize the importance of effective records and information management systems, which are crucial for improved decision-making, operational efficiency, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements”, he said.