The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a standards and guidelines document for establishing and coordinating organ/tissue transplantation services in Nigeria.
This was announced by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, who launched the document in Abuja, on Thursday.
The new guidelines herald the era of coordination and accountability in issues of organ/tissue donation as well as transplantation in Nigeria as recommended by the National Health Act, 2014.
He said: “This document which was validated on November 13th, 2024, represents a significant milestone in our collective efforts to enhance organ donation and transplantation practices in Nigeria.
“As we know, organ transplantation is not merely a medical procedure, but a life-giving opportunity that offers a second chance to individuals suffering from end-stage organ failure. For many patients, it is a matter of life and death, but organ transplantation provides hope and the possibility of returning to a fulfilling life.
“We now have a comprehensive framework that will regulate organ/tissue donation and transplantation services in our country. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to saving lives through ethical practices and robust oversight mechanisms.
“The production of this document was no small feat. It involved extensive collaboration among healthcare professionals, legal experts, professional bodies, media organizations, and other key stakeholders. Every detail was carefully scrutinized during the validation process to ensure the guidelines address the unique challenges we face in Nigeria.
“Also, these guidelines are critical because they provide a much-needed regulatory framework for organ transplantation. They address key areas such as ethics in transplantation, donor protection, transplant patients’ safety, minimum standards in organ transplant, as well as the procedure to ensure compliance.”
He was optimistic that the guidelines will restore trust in organ donation in Nigeria by promoting transparency, accountability, and adherence to international best practices considering Nigeria’s unique challenges.
He added: “With these guidelines in place, we expect significant progress in areas of organ donations and transplantation. They will establish a clear ethical framework for organ donation, enhance public awareness about its importance, and ensure transparency across all institutions involved in these life-saving procedures.”
The Minister who was represented by Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, Director, Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, stated that beyond the launch of the document, action will begin on mapping and certifying all health institutions involved in organ donation and transplantation to ensure they meet the highest standards of practice.
“Additionally, we will establish a National Organ Donation and Transplantation Registry and Banking system, to streamline the management of organ donations across Nigeria,” he added.
The Chairman, National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee (NTHISC), Prof. Philip Abiodun, in his remarks, explained that the Committee was established in line with the National Health Act 2014, and was mandated to regulate tertiary healthcare facilities across the country.
“One of our core responsibilities is ensuring that organ transplantation services in the country are conducted safely and ethically, and this new document is a critical tool for fulfilling this very mandate.”
He confirmed that the guidelines address critical areas of organ transplantation, notably, kidney, Liver, Eye Tissue, Haemopoietic Stem Cell (Bone Marrow) Transplantations, as well as Gamete and Embryo Donation, Storage, and Surrogacy.
He encouraged all stakeholders and health facilities involved in organ transplantation in Nigeria to get themselves acquainted with the document, stressing that non-compliance with the standards and guidelines document will not be tolerated as the culture of accountability within the healthcare system will be entrenched.
