Organ donation and transplantation
Eurordis describes the aggravated situation of rare disease patients in this area: a higher proportion of organ transplantations, including multi-organ transplantations, for patients with a rare disease than in the global population; inequality of access for rare disease patients due to the lack of validation of rare disease indications arising from disease scarcity; and a higher than average percentage of transplantations from living donors, creating additional family pressure.
Eurordis recommends a pan-European awareness-raising and information campaign involving patient representatives; an EU directive on quality and safety; increased cooperation between Member States including a central EU registry, exchange of best practices and information between health professionals, and research and validation of rare disease indications on an EU level to reduce inequalities.