WHO advances its Global Strategy on Donation and Transplantation

 

A new global framework aims to strengthen equitable access, ethical practices and sustainable donation and transplantation systems worldwide

The World Health Organization is advancing the development of its Global Strategy on Donation and Transplantation of Human Cells, Tissues and Organs, an initiative designed to provide a shared global direction for the future development of donation and transplantation systems.

The process originates from World Health Assembly Resolution WHA77.4, adopted in 2024, which called on Member States to increase the availability of transplantation, promote ethical access, strengthen oversight and integrate donation and transplantation into healthcare systems.

In July 2026, WHO released the first draft of the strategy for public review. The consultation, which remained open until 31 August 2026, invited contributions from governments, regulators, healthcare professionals, scientific organisations, researchers, patient groups and other stakeholders. Following the decision of the 79th World Health Assembly to continue the development process, the final strategy is expected to be considered by the 80th World Health Assembly in 2027.

Addressing a persistent global inequality

Transplantation is an established life-saving and life-enhancing therapy for patients with end-stage organ failure and other severe conditions. However, access remains profoundly unequal between and within countries.

The WHO strategy seeks to address these disparities by strengthening national systems rather than viewing transplantation solely as a highly specialised surgical activity.

Its proposed strategic directions include the organisation and financing of national transplantation systems, development of organ, tissue and cell transplantation programmes, establishment of donation programmes, professional capacity building, development of tissue and cell processing capacity, international collaboration and investment in innovation.

This systems-based approach is particularly important. Successful transplantation depends on an entire pathway that begins long before surgery: donor identification, critical care, referral and coordination, consent processes, organ and tissue procurement, preservation, allocation, transplantation, follow-up, quality management and reliable data systems.

From global recommendations to national implementation

The future strategy also places transplantation within the broader objectives of universal health coverage and equitable access to healthcare.

For countries seeking to establish or expand donation and transplantation programmes, this means developing appropriate legislation and governance while simultaneously investing in healthcare professionals, hospital infrastructure, quality systems, registries and public trust.

The initiative therefore represents an important opportunity for the international donation and transplantation community. Its impact will ultimately depend on the capacity of countries to translate a global framework into sustainable programmes adapted to their epidemiological, healthcare, economic and cultural realities.

The consideration of the strategy by the World Health Assembly in 2027 will mark another important step towards a more coordinated global response to one of transplantation medicine’s greatest challenges: ensuring that access to these life-saving therapies is not determined by geography.

Sources: World Health Organization, Global Strategy on Donation and Transplantation