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ORGAN DONATION AND TRANSPLANTATION SYSTEMS IN NIGERIA: A COMMENTARY ON CURRENT STATUS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
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  • Stephen Igwe,
  • Fatoye Oluwasegun John,
  • Rasheedat Shittu,
  • Olufunmike ⁠Itunu ⁠Oyekunle,
  • Enoch Olaoluwa Olatoye,
  • Abdulmalik Opeyemi Adeyemo,
  • Habeeb Olayinka Salaudeen,
  • Abdulrahman Salahudeen Alatare,
  • KEHINDE FADELE,
  • Don-Eliseo Lucero-Prisno
Stephen Igwe
University of Ilorin College of Health Sciences

Corresponding Author:stephen.c.a.igwe@gmail.com

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Fatoye Oluwasegun John
University of Ilorin College of Health Sciences
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Rasheedat Shittu
University of Ilorin College of Health Sciences
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Olufunmike ⁠Itunu ⁠Oyekunle
University of Ilorin College of Health Sciences
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Enoch Olaoluwa Olatoye
University of Ilorin College of Health Sciences
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Abdulmalik Opeyemi Adeyemo
University of Ilorin College of Health Sciences
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Habeeb Olayinka Salaudeen
University of Ilorin College of Health Sciences
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Abdulrahman Salahudeen Alatare
University of Ilorin College of Health Sciences
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KEHINDE FADELE
University of Nigeria Faculty of Medical Sciences
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Don-Eliseo Lucero-Prisno
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Department of Global Health and Development
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Abstract

Nigeria's organ donation and transplantation systems remain underdeveloped, yet they hold great potential to address the nation's escalating healthcare challenges. This commentary provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of organ donation and transplantation in Nigeria, highlighting historical milestones, legal frameworks, and the pressing issues that hinder progress, including organ trafficking, cultural barriers, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, it reviews the disparities in access to transplantation services and the critical role of socioeconomic factors in this divide. The commentary offers a forward-looking approach, presenting key recommendations for policy reform, infrastructure development, and public education. Implementing these strategies would be pivotal in ensuring equitable access to organ donation services while setting a precedent for medical innovation in West Africa. Ultimately, this paper underscores the need for government action, international collaboration, and community engagement to create a robust and ethical organ donation framework in Nigeria.