Spain reached historic figures in 2024 organ donation and transplants, according to the Minister of Health, Monica Garcia. With 6,464 procedures performed, the country consolidated its world leadership, achieving a rate of 132.8 organ transplants per million population (pmp)This milestone represents an increase of 10% compared to 2023 and marks an all-time high.
With 52.6 deceased donors per million people, Spain also broke records in organ donation, surpassing figures never seen before in any other country.
Growth by type of transplant
In 2024, all types of organ transplants saw significant increases. Lung transplantation led the growth with 30% more than in 2023, reaching 623 procedures. Other highlights include:
- Kidney transplants: 4.047 (+10%)
- Liver transplants: 1.344 (+6%)
- Heart transplants: 347 (+7%)
- Pancreas transplants: 98
- Intestinal transplants: 5
In addition, 1,675 deceased donors also contributed tissue, including donations of corneas, bones and tendons.
The generosity of donors
The success of the Spanish system is largely due to the 2,562 deceased donors registered in 2024, an increase of 9% compared to the previous year. There were also 404 living donations: 397 kidney and 7 liver.
Asystole donation, in particular, played a crucial role. This type of donation, with 1,316 donors (+25% compared to 2023), already represents more than half of the total in Spain. In addition, Spain remains the only country that performs successful transplants of all organs from asystole donors.
International comparison: Spain leads the world
According to data from the Global Observatory of Donation and Transplantation, Spain far exceeds other countries in donation rates. While Spain reached 52.6 donors pmp, the United States registered 48.1, Italy 29.4 and Germany only 11.6. The European Union, on average, has 22.9 donors pmp
Challenges and waiting list
Despite the achievements, The waiting list for organ transplants increased slightly in 2024, with 5,096 patients (73 of them children) at the end of the yearThis number reflects the need to continue promoting the donation and transplant program.
The Spanish model was recognized as a world reference by the magazine The Lancet and stood out for its legislation, organization and clinical leadership. In addition, the 77th World Health Assembly adopted a resolution promoted by Spain to promote organ transplants globally.
Living donor protection law
Congress approved a law to improve the working conditions of living donors. It includes paid leave and sick leave to facilitate the donation process.
In 2024, the Spanish Bone Marrow Donor Registry (REDMO) surpassed 500,000 registered donors. This represents a significant advance in access to this type of donation.
