Organ Donation and Transplantation Worldwide: The Global Observatory on Donation and Transplantation 2024 Report.

BACKGROUND

Solid organ transplantation has evolved globally as an established and life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage organ failure.

METHODS

Since 2007, the Global Observatory on Donation and Transplantation (GODT), an initiative of the World Health Organization in collaboration with the Organización Nacional de Trasplantes (Spain), collects data and reports on the activity of World Health Organization member states in regard to solid organ donation, transplantation, and waitlisting. This ongoing effort provides insights into transplant activities in countries with different healthcare systems and practices, economic and cultural contexts, and local disease burdens.

RESULTS

This annual report presents activities for the year 2024 and summarizes the developments from a global, regional, and country-specific perspective. This report includes information from 92 countries that submitted their data to the GODT by October 29, 2025. Descriptive statistics were applied to analyze and present key indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

A record 173 727 solid organ transplants were performed worldwide in 2024, representing the highest number ever reported to the GODT. This corresponds to a 2% global increase compared with 2023, largely driven by a rise in deceased donations, particularly the expansion of donations after the circulatory determination of death, which accounted for 28% of all deceased donation activity in 2024 (total deceased donations: 47 180). Despite these achievements on a global scale, the data also indicate that major challenges persist, including a continued shortage of organs and pronounced geographical disparities in access to transplantation.