Letter to the Editor: Bridging knowledge gaps in organ donation - implications for transplantation and regenerative...

The ongoing global deficit of donor organs remains a significant obstacle for transplantation programs, with more than 100000 individuals currently listed for transplantation in the United States and an estimated 13 patients dying each day before receiving a suitable organ. This commentary integrates current evidence regarding public knowledge, perceptions, and barriers to organ donation, and connects these factors to the anticipated acceptance of emerging transplantation and regenerative medicine innovations. Despite widespread support for organ donation-reported among nearly 90% of United States adults-actual enrollment in donor registries remains disproportionately low, underscoring a persistent disconnect between positive attitudes and real-world participation. Recent findings from the United Arab Emirates, including the study by Al-Sharbatti et al, reveal notable gaps in understanding and fear of medical procedures as key deterrents to donor enrollment, trends similarly reported in regions such as Kazakhstan. These insights reaffirm that inadequate awareness and distrust of healthcare systems continue to impede donor registration, even in highly educated communities. Enhancing public education, promoting transparency, and fostering trust are crucial steps toward improving donation rates. As transplantation advances through innovations such as xenotransplantation, stem cell-derived tissues, and bioengineered organs, societal confidence will be pivotal in shaping their acceptance. Addressing current knowledge deficits and proactively engaging with ethical and societal considerations will be essential to fully realizing the potential of both conventional and next-generation transplantation therapies.