To raise awareness about the importance of organ donation, Paraguay celebrated National Transplant Day on July 9 once again. According to the National Institute of Ablation and Transplantation (INAT), 94 transplants have been successfully performed so far in 2025. 305 people, including 22 paediatric patients, are currently on the waiting list.
This year’s 94 transplants include 49 corneal, 23 kidney, 20 bone marrow (haematopoietic progenitor cell) and 2 heart transplants. These procedures have offered recipients a renewed chance at life. But with the number of patients waiting increasing – up 55 from the same date last year – the need remains urgent.
First successful transplant: 29 years ago
The commemoration marks the anniversary of Paraguay’s first successful transplant, carried out on July 9, 1996, at the Baptist Medical Centre in Asunción. Nearly three decades later, this day serves not only as a moment of reflection, but also as a call to action for greater public involvement in donation efforts.
Health Minister María Teresa Barán Wasilchuk expressed her gratitude to those involved in making organ donation possible in Paraguay. “Today, we commemorate National Transplant Day in Paraguay, an appeal to solidarity, hope, and life,” she stated in a message shared on July 9 on X (formerly Twitter).
National Transplant Day: A vital issue
Organ donation remains a vital issue in the country, with demand consistently outweighing supply. Paraguay has made legal strides to address this imbalance. Under the Anita Law, introduced in 2018, all citizens over the age of 18 in Paraguay are considered organ donors upon death, unless they have formally opted out by notifying INAT in writing. This approach aims to simplify the donation process and encourage wider participation while still respecting individual choice.
National Transplant Day serves both as a tribute to the medical achievements in transplantation and a call to action for society. With more than 300 people still awaiting a second chance or an improved quality of life, INAT continues to raise awareness and provide information on donor registration and organ donation.
A heartfelt thank you
On this important day, we say thank you to our healthcare professionals, the dedicated staff at INAT, and especially to the donor families who give a second chance at life. Your generosity makes our community stronger.
