Today marks ESOT Action Day 2026 – a time to recognise the extraordinary impact of transplantation, and to reflect on the work still needed to ensure its future.
Every transplant tells a human story. A patient given another chance at life. A family offered hope in the face of uncertainty. A donor whose generosity changes lives forever.
Yet, behind these powerful moments lies a sobering reality. Across Europe and the UK, 11 people die every day while waiting for a transplant. For them and their loved ones, time runs out too soon.
At the same time, the systems that make transplantation possible are under growing strain. Healthcare professionals are stretched by workforce shortages. Patients face unequal access to care depending on where they live. And wider environmental and system pressures continue to add complexity to an already delicate process.
This is why, today, we are proud to launch The ESOT Agenda on Sustainable Transplantation.
This Agenda is not just a document; it is a commitment. A commitment to building stronger, fairer, and more resilient transplant systems that can meet today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s demands.
Sustainable transplantation means making the best possible use of every donated organ. It means ensuring that access to transplantation is equitable. And it means supporting the professionals who make these life-saving procedures possible.
Above all, it means recognising that sustainability is essential not only to protect patients but also to honour donors and safeguard transplantation for future generations.
This is not a challenge for one group alone. It is a shared responsibility across healthcare institutions, professionals, policymakers, and society as a whole.
On this ESOT Action Day, we call on the transplant community to come together. To strengthen systems. To reduce inequalities. And to help shape a future where every patient has a fair chance at life.