Implementation of Kidney Transplantation in a Low-income Country: Experience of Senegal

Chronic kidney disease poses a major health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with high morbidity and mortality rates. Kidney transplantation (KT) is the most effective treatment for end-stage kidney disease. However, until recently, this option was not available in Senegal. In response, the government enacted a law authorizing KTs from living donors and also established a supervisory committee called "Comité National du Don et de la Transplantation d'organe." After this approval, the Aristide Le Dantec Hospital and the Ouakam Military Hospital consortium successfully performed the first transplants in November 2023, with the support of international partners. Despite the high cost associated with transplantation, the challenge remains to make it affordable to all patients in need. The creation of a national registry also marks a significant step toward more scientific, transparent, and rigorous management of KT data.