The December 2024 International Report on Organ Donation and Transplantation Activities, sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Observatory on Donation and Transplantation (GODT), and the Organización Nacional de Trasplantes (ONT), reveals a notable increase in global organ donation and transplantation activities. The report, a product of ongoing WHO-ONT collaboration since 2007, shows a 9.5% increase in solid organ transplants compared to 2022, totaling 172,397 transplants worldwide.
The GODT database, which collects and monitors data on global donation and transplantation practices, aims to ensure transparency and equity in national transplant systems. This year’s report highlights the effectiveness of the standardized questionnaire distributed to health authorities globally, facilitating accurate and consistent data gathering. The definitions applied are derived from the WHO Global Glossary on Donation and Transplantation to ensure clarity and uniformity across participating countries.
One of the key successes highlighted in the report is the exceptional performance of the United States’ organ donation and transplantation system. The U.S. surpassed other countries with the highest number of patients transplanted per million population (pmp) in 2023, as detailed on page 31 of the report. Spain closely followed, maintaining its position as a leader in organ donation and transplantation.
This annual report is instrumental in addressing both the technical and ethical dimensions of organ transplantation globally, as per the directives of World Health Assembly Resolutions WHA57.18 and WHA63.22. By offering a comprehensive overview of global transplantation activities, the report continues to be a vital resource for enhancing the safety, quality, and efficacy of transplantation systems worldwide.
