Global perspectives on transplant disparities

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Transplantation Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Organ failure represents a significant global health challenge, with increasing prevalence worldwide.
• Disease burden and etiologies of organ failure differ substantially between high-income and low-income nations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the global disease burden of organ failure.
• To summarize organ transplantation outcomes and disparities.
• To identify strategies for improving global access to organ transplantation.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of current literature on organ failure and transplantation.
• Analysis of intra- and inter-country disparities.
• Identification of potential mechanisms for improving global access.

Main Results:

• Significant disparities in organ failure and transplantation exist, often correlated with country income.
• Low- and lower-middle income countries (LLMICs) face higher rates of communicable disease-related organ failure.
• Upper-income countries (UICs) experience high prevalence due to noncommunicable diseases, with access disparities linked to income.

Conclusions:

• Enhancing organ transplantation access and care is essential for improving outcomes in end-organ disease globally.
• LLMICs can benefit from international collaboration and regional partnerships for transplant system development.
• UICs should focus on increasing organ donor availability and public engagement to meet rising transplantation demands.