In 2024, the Chinese mainland recorded 6,744 deceased organ donors—a 4.5% increase from 2023—according to the "Report on the Development of Organ Donation and Transplantation in China (2024)". Released on December 8 at the 8th China-International Organ Donation Conference and Belt and Road Symposium in Guangzhou, this data reflects growing public awareness.
That year, 364,000 people registered as posthumous donors, with 77% aged 18 to 35. The trend highlights the impact of digital outreach and youth-driven advocacy in boosting sign-ups among millennials and Gen Z.
Overall, the Chinese mainland saw 11,249 organ donation cases in 2024, including 4,505 living donations by relatives, and performed over 24,000 transplant surgeries. These milestones underscore the region’s expanding medical capacity and the critical role of community engagement.
The three-day conference ran from December 6 to 8 under the guidance of the China National Organ Donation and Transplantation Committee and was organized by the China Organ Transplantation Development Foundation and the China Organ Donation Administrative Center. Experts emphasized strategies like streamlined mobile registration apps and campus outreach to sustain momentum into 2025.
As organ shortages challenge healthcare systems worldwide, the Chinese mainland’s experience offers a case study in harnessing youth participation and data-driven campaigns. For global health stakeholders, replicating these tactics could help save lives and foster cross-border collaboration in transplantation.
Reference(s):
More young Chinese willing to donate organs when they die: report
cgtn.com
