PAHO and Spain’s Ministry of Health strengthen cooperation in organ, tissue, and cell donation and transplantation in the Americas – PAHO/WHO

Geneva, Switzerland, May 20, 2025 (PAHO) – On The Sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (Pah Try to Boost Cooperation in Organ, Tissue, and Cell Donation and Transplant. The objective is to expand equitable access to these procedures in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The letter will focus on implementing the Regional Action Plan on Donation and Equitable Access to Transplantation, and on strengthening the Ibero-American Council on Donation and Transplant (RCIDT). This network serves as a key platform to develop regulatory capabilities and frameworks in the countries of the region.

«Having robust, safe and well coordinated transplant systems is essential to respond to the population’s health needs,» said Paho director Jarbas Barbosa. «This alliance with Spain improves regional efforts to improve legal frameworks, technical capacities and operational networks, guided by the principles of equity and solidarity.»

Established in 2005 with the Joint Impulse of Paho and the Government of Spain, the RCIDT brings together 21 Spanish and Portuguese -speaking countries of Latin America and Europe. Since its foundation, the Network has promoted the creation of national agencies, public policy formulation, professionals training and the adoption of common ethical and technical standards, contributing significantly to the institutional strengthening of donation and transplant systems. In this effort, the National Transplant Organization (ONT) of Spain has played a central role as the Permanent Secretariat of the RCIDT and as the WHO collaboration center.

During the signature ceremony, the authorities highlighted the value of this alliance to move towards more fair and effective health systems.

«This agreement reflects Spain’s continuous commitment to health cooperation in the region,» Minister García said. «We will continue working with Paho to strengthen national capacities and promote more and more equitable access to donation and transplant.»

Soon a memorandum of understanding will be signed, establishing a road map for the period 2025-2026. The planned activities include organizing annual RCIDT meetings, as well as the implementation of technical initiatives agreed by both parties. Pah will assume the technical coordination, while the Ministry of Health, through the ONT, will lead the organization of meetings. The agreement also includes a financial contribution from Spain to support its implementation.

About the Ministry of Health of Spain

The Ministry of Health is responsible for health policies and the public health system in Spain. Through the ONT, he leads national and international initiatives on donation and transplantation of organs, tissues and cells.

About Paho

Founded in 1902, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is the world’s international public agency. It serves as a regional office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO) and as a specialized agency of the Inter -American System, providing technical cooperation to its Member States to improve the health and well -being of the population of the region.