Organ Donations Increase in Mexico, but Challenges Persist

Organ and tissue donation in Mexico has increased by 30% this year, largely attributed to living donors, who account for 70% of transplants. Despite these advancements, the demand remains urgent. Consequently, efforts by foundations and organizations to promote donation awareness have become crucial, as one donor can save up to 15 lives, as reported by the Ministry of Health (SSA).

Efforts by foundations and private organizations to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation have played a key role in fostering a donation culture and contributing to social causes. This is crucial, as a single organ donor can improve the lives of up to 75 people. However, demand remains critical, with another patient added to the organ or tissue donation waiting list every 10 minutes, as reported by Life Source.

“Donation culture is a responsibility of all Mexicans and it is something that is increasingly promoted in our country, although we still have a long way to go. It should also be noted that new generations are much more socially conscious. They are volunteers who help create a better country through altruistic actions,” wrote Sergio Medrano, Latin America Regional Director, Be The Match, for MBN.

The organ and tissue donation process in Mexico is completely free and is guided by the principles of altruism, solidarity, and confidentiality, as reported by Mexico’s City Ministry of Health. In keeping with these principles, donors must meet specific criteria, including being of legal age, voluntarily choosing to donate, and clearly communicating their decision to their families.

Organ donation is classified into two categories: cadaveric donation, which occurs after death, and living donation, where a person donates an organ or part of organ without jeopardizing their health. The latter is only possible in specific cases. This year, Mexico has seen a 30% increase in organ and tissue donations, offering new hope for patients in need, says José Salvador Aburto, National Transplant Center, Director General. 

Mexico continues to make significant strides in advancing organ donation and transplantation, according to experts from the "Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra" National Rehabilitation Institute (INRLGII) and Colombia's District Institute of Science, Biotechnology, and Innovation in Health (IDCBIS). These institutions are collaborating in areas such as organ donation, transplantation, and tissue and cell banking to offer improved treatment options for patients in both countries, as reported by MBN.