Policy innovations to advance equity in solid organ transplantation

Abstract

Advances in solid organ transplantation, such as improved organ preservation technologies and novel approaches to immunosuppression management, have the potential to improve outcomes in transplant recipients. However, despite these developments, there are persistent disparities in access to transplantation across, and within, certain countries. Low-income and middle-income countries have particularly low rates of transplantation, as well as less access to new technologies, mainly due to limited infrastructure and resources. Additionally, marginalised groups, especially racially and ethnically minoritised people and individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds, might be most susceptible to these inequities worldwide. In this Series paper, we focus on how policies can advance equity in the field of transplantation, both within individual health systems and across different countries. We propose policy solutions to make progress towards equity in access to transplantation and better outcomes for all patients with end-stage organ disease who could benefit from transplantation.