Organ transplantation in Africa: Confronting socioeconomic, cultural, and infrastructural hurdles

Abstract

Background: Organ transplantation is a critical procedure offering life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage organ failure. In Africa, however, the accessibility and development of organ transplantation are severely hampered by numerous barriers. Socioeconomic disparities, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, legal and ethical gaps, cultural resistance, and the dual burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases are among the significant challenges faced. This review aims to comprehensively explore these barriers and propose actionable strategies to address them.

Method: A narrative review was conducted by searching electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and JSTOR. The review prioritized studies addressing the challenges of organ transplantation in Africa, focusing on socioeconomic factors, healthcare infrastructure, cultural beliefs, legal frameworks, and the impact of infectious and non-communicable diseases. Studies offering solutions tailored to the African context were also included.

Results: The review identified several key obstacles, including high costs of transplantation, a limited number of transplant centers, and a critical shortage of skilled healthcare professionals. Cultural beliefs and widespread misconceptions impede organ donation acceptance. Additionally, infectious and non-communicable diseases complicate the transplantation process and outcomes. Weak legal frameworks exacerbate the risks of organ trafficking and unethical practices, while low public awareness further undermines efforts to enhance organ donation rates.

Conclusion: Addressing these multifaceted challenges necessitates a comprehensive approach. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, enhancing capacity-building programs, developing robust legal and ethical frameworks, and implementing targeted public education campaigns are critical for improving organ transplantation in Africa.

Keywords: Africa; Cultural barriers; Healthcare infrastructure; Non-communicable diseases; Organ transplantation; Public awareness.