Transplant tourism under the microscope
GENEVA: The World Health Organisation is showing increasing concern over “transplant tourism”.
The authority said demand for human organ transplants far exceeds supply, fuelling the growing trend of “transplant tourism” from wealthy countries to developing nations where organs can be bought.
“Both kidney and liver transplants are on the rise, but demand is also increasing and remains unmatched,” said WHO.
Dr Luc Noel of WHO said of the total kidneys transplanted, about 6000, or an estimated 10 per cent in 2005, involved either the donor or the recipient travelling, usually to avoid violations of the law in one of the countries.
“Non-existent or lax laws on organ donation and transplantation encourage commercialism and transplant tourism,” said Dr Noel,
“If all countries agree on a common approach, and stop commercial exploitation, then access will be more equitable and we will have fewer health tragedies.”
The ‘transplant tourism’ phenomenon has been increasing since the mid-1990’s, coinciding with greater acceptance of the therapeutic benefits of transplantation and with progress in the efficacy of the medicines – immuno-suppressants – used to prevent the body’s rejection of a transplanted organ.
In Pakistan 40 percent to 50 percent of the residents of some villages have only one kidney because they have sold the other for a transplant.
WHO action on transplantation will be aided by a global observatory set up in Madrid under the auspices of the Spanish government.
The observatory, which is linked to the WHO Global Knowledge Base, will provide an interface for health authorities and the general public to access data on donation and transplantation practices, legal frameworks and obstacles to equitable access.
Ian Jarrett
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