Colombia performed nearly 1,000 organ transplants in 2026
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In the first nine months of 2026, Colombia’s National Donation and Transplant Information System reported 965 organ transplants performed across the country.
Most of these organs, 800 in total, came from deceased donors, while 165 came from living donors. The National Institute of Health coordinated the procedures through a national transplant network. Despite this high number of transplants, 4,117 people in Colombia remained on the waiting list for organs as of September 30, 2026.
Kidney transplants made up the largest part of the demand, with 3,823 people awaiting kidney donations. The Institute of Health emphasized the need to increase organ availability to meet the needs of patients, as transplants can significantly improve quality of life for those with organ failure. Organ allocation in Colombia depends on medical criteria, compatibility between donor and recipient, and the urgency of the patient’s condition.
The Institute of Health also highlighted the importance of public trust in the donation process, stressing that transparency and adherence to medical guidelines are crucial. They encouraged Colombians to discuss their wishes regarding organ donation with their families to ensure those wishes are respected.
