Spain Maintains Global Leadership with Over 6,300 Organ Transplants in 2025
Spain sustains its status as the global leader in organ transplants in 2025, performing 6,335 transplants and advancing donor and transplant techniques amid strategic goals through 2030.
- • Spain conducted 6,335 organ transplants in 2025, a 2% decrease from 2024, maintaining global leadership for 34 years.
- • The kidney was the most transplanted organ (3,999), with a notable 12% rise in heart transplants reaching a record high.
- • Donor rate remained high at 51.9 per million population, with 56% of donors from asystolic death.
- • The ONT's 2025-2030 strategy targets increased organ availability and improved access for patients with special needs.
Key details
In 2025, Spain performed a total of 6,335 organ transplants, marking the second consecutive year that the country exceeded 6,300 transplants. Although this represents a 2% decrease from the record 6,464 transplants in 2024, Spain continues to demonstrate its position as a world leader in organ transplantation for 34 straight years.
Spain’s transplant rate stood at 129 transplants per million population, slightly down from 132.8 in the previous year. The achievement was underpinned by 2,547 deceased donors — a donor rate of 51.9 per million population — remaining significantly higher than other nations, including the United States (49.7 donors p.m.p.) and Italy (30.6 donors p.m.p.). Notably, a majority of donors were over 60 years old, with cerebrovascular accidents the leading cause of death among donors.
Kidney transplants led the figures with 3,999 procedures, followed by 1,276 liver, 556 lung, 390 heart, 103 pancreas, and 11 intestinal transplants. Heart transplants rose by 12%, reaching a historic high, while pancreas transplants increased by 6%. Conversely, liver and lung transplants saw declines of 5% and 11% respectively. Donation after cardiorespiratory arrest accounted for 56% of donors, with 1,416 donors categorized as such, underscoring Spain’s leadership in utilizing this donor source.
The system's efficiency and donor generosity were highlighted by impressive milestones such as the Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre in Madrid completing four heart transplants within just 63 hours. By the year's end, 5,163 patients remained on transplant waiting lists, including 77 minors.
Looking ahead, Spain’s National Transplant Organization (ONT) has introduced a strategic plan for 2025–2030 aimed at increasing organ availability, reducing donation refusals, and improving access for patients facing barriers. The ONT also reported extensive inter-community organ exchanges supporting 1,416 transplants, reflecting the collaborative strength of Spain’s transplant network.
Health Minister Mónica García praised the dedication of healthcare professionals and the altruism of donors and their families, emphasizing the life-affirming impact behind the statistics. These accomplishments reinforce Spain’s reputation for excellence and solidarity within its National Health System and the global transplant community.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
