Declaration of Istanbul
Organ transplantation is one of the life-saving medical breakthroughs of the 20th century.
Over the years, growing renal transplant waiting lists and a discrepancy in organ supply and demand have marred this accomplishment and given rise to a network of illegal traffickers who exploit the vulnerability of patients desperately waiting for a life-saving transplant.
While illegal transplantation may seem like a “win-win” for the recipient in need of a kidney and a donor in need of money, the long-term effects are devastating to both parties and negatively impacts healthcare systems.
The Declaration of Istanbul (DoI) calls on the medical community, especially transplant surgeons and nephrologists, to join the World Health Organization (WHO) in putting pressure on Health Ministries with a transplantation program to eliminate organ trafficking and transplant tourism. The DoI is promoted, implemented, and upheld by the Declaration of Istanbul Custodian Group (DICG). Read more about ISN’s work on the Declaration of Istanbul here.
News
DICG activities at the TTS congress in Hong Kong
A Declaration of Istanbul Custodian Group (DICG) council meeting took place during The Transplant Society (TTS) congress in Hong Kong, with several Council members participating in person or via Skype. Key topics of discussion were plans for a 10th Anniversary meeting in 2018; potential projects of work for the DICG and methods of fundraising to...
COLLABORATING for safer kidney transplants globally
Organ transplantation is the best and frequently the only life-saving treatment for end-stage organ failure. According to the WHO, almost 80,000 kidney transplants were performed globally in 2013. Although impressive, it is estimated that the activity represents less than 10% of the global need. This situation of acute organ shortage has come with its own set...
Delmonico appointed to Pontifical Academy of Sciences
Francis Delmonico, Senior Advisor to the Declaration of Istanbul Custodian Group (DICG), has been appointed to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. ISN would like to congratulate him on this great achievement. Through the DICG, Delmonico has shown longstanding dedication in combating global organ trafficking, protecting its victims who are sourced for organs and helping exploited...
2016 DICG Board of Councilors and news updates
The Declaration of Istanbul Custodian Group’s (DICG) Board of Councilors has come to its annual transition-point. A third group of Councilors have completed their second three-year term and new members have now joined for a new term. Find out more and also get a roundup of the group's latest activities. The Declaration of Istanbul Custodian...