Vietnam’s Organ Transplant Milestone: A Race Against Time for Donors

In a remarkable feat of medical prowess, Vietnam has solidified its position as Southeast Asia’s leader in organ transplantation, performing over 1,000 procedures annually. Yet, behind this achievement lies a stark reality: the country’s organ donation rate, particularly from brain-dead donors, remains among the lowest globally. With thousands of patients languishing on waiting lists, the race to bridge the gap between demand and supply is intensifying, as highlighted by recent efforts to boost public awareness and policy reforms.

The latest milestone came with the successful liver transplant of a 30-month-old child at the National Children’s Hospital in Hanoi, a procedure that underscores the sophistication of Vietnam’s medical capabilities. Since the nation’s first kidney transplant in 1992, over 9,300 successful operations have been carried out across 28 hospitals. Complex surgeries, such as lung transplants at the National Lung Hospital and simultaneous heart-liver transplants at the Vietnam-Germany Friendship Hospital, demonstrate a level of expertise nearing international standards.

Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Dr. Trần Văn Thuấn, speaking at a recent seminar in Hanoi, described organ transplantation as a “major medical achievement” that has transformed the lives of thousands with end-stage organ failure. The seminar, organised by the National Coordination Centre for Organ Transplantation and the Vietnam Organ and Tissue Donation Advocacy Association, focused on strengthening communication and advocacy for donations from deceased or brain-dead donors—a critical area of concern.

A Growing Demand, A Persistent Shortage

Despite Vietnam’s surgical successes, the scarcity of donated organs remains a formidable barrier. Thousands of patients await life-saving transplants, many of whom may never receive one due to the limited pool of donors. The cultural and social hesitancy surrounding organ donation, often tied to spiritual or ethical beliefs, exacerbates the challenge. Deputy Minister Thuấn pointed to inadequate public awareness and ineffective advocacy as primary reasons for the low donation rates, particularly from brain-dead individuals.

Efforts to address this gap have gained momentum in recent years. Following a call from the Prime Minister on 19 May last year, dozens of hospitals launched campaigns to promote organ donation after brain death. By 2024, 16 advocacy chapters had been established in public and private hospitals nationwide. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Thị Kim Tiến, a former health minister and representative of the Vietnam Organ and Tissue Donation Advocacy Association, noted that a national network of donation and transplant hospitals is beginning to take shape, with several institutions advocating for brain-dead donations for the first time.

The numbers reflect a cautious optimism. In 2024, Vietnam recorded 41 actual deceased organ donors—a record high that surpassed the combined total of 36 donors from the previous three years. Additionally, as of 14 October last year, 102,759 individuals had registered to donate organs after death, a significant increase compared to prior years. Registrations are now accessible online at vnhot.vn or via the hotline 0915060550, streamlining the process for potential donors.

Policy Push and Technological Needs

The Vietnamese government and Ministry of Health have rolled out policies to encourage donations. In 2024, the ministry issued technical guidelines for organ donation, retrieval, transplantation, and post-transplant care, specifically for liver transplants from both living and brain-dead donors. Circular No. 48, released at the end of last year, further clarified regulations for the registration, coordination, and transplantation of organs from deceased donors, aiming to foster a more transparent and efficient system.

Yet, gaps persist. Vietnam lacks robust mechanisms for counselling families of brain-dead or cardiac-dead donors, with only a handful of hospitals maintaining dedicated teams for this purpose. The absence of adequate incentives for such roles hinders progress. Deputy Minister Thuấn advocated for adopting models from developed countries where hospital-based organ donation counselling is integral to healthcare systems, with trained professionals guiding families through the emotional and ethical complexities of donation decisions.

Technology, too, could play a transformative role. Thuấn emphasised the need to leverage digital tools to coordinate transplants more effectively, ensuring organs are matched and transported swiftly to those in need. Expanding public awareness campaigns through diverse media—social platforms, television, and newspapers—was also flagged as essential to shifting perceptions about organ donation.

Cultural Barriers and International Lessons

Cultural attitudes remain a significant hurdle. Many Vietnamese are hesitant to donate organs due to spiritual beliefs or concerns about the body’s integrity after death. Engaging religious and community organisations could help broaden outreach, as could collaboration with a network of transplant hospitals to share experiences and best practices. Deputy Minister Thuấn also called for strengthened international cooperation, urging Vietnam to learn from countries with advanced organ donation systems through specialised training programmes for counsellors.

The humanitarian significance of organ donation cannot be overstated. Each donor can save or improve multiple lives, offering hope to families grappling with the despair of terminal illness. The record-breaking 41 deceased donors in 2024, while a step forward, are a drop in the ocean compared to the thousands awaiting transplants. If Vietnam is to sustain its position as a regional leader in medical innovation, addressing the donor shortage must become a national priority.

A Path Forward: Balancing Hope and Reality

Vietnam’s journey in organ transplantation is a tale of remarkable progress shadowed by persistent challenges. The technical expertise is undeniable—doctors are performing surgeries that rival those in wealthier nations. Yet, the system’s success hinges on a societal shift towards greater acceptance of organ donation, particularly from deceased individuals. Without this, the waiting lists will continue to grow, and the potential of medical advancements will remain unfulfilled.

The government’s recent policy measures and advocacy campaigns signal intent, but their impact remains to be seen. If public awareness efforts are scaled up and paired with incentives for hospital-based counselling teams, the tide could turn. For now, each successful transplant, like that of the 30-month-old child in Hanoi, is a beacon of hope—a reminder of what is possible when medical skill meets human generosity.

As Vietnam navigates this delicate balance, the question looms: can the nation transform its cultural and systemic barriers into a lifeline for thousands? The answer lies not just in operating theatres but in the hearts and minds of its people. For those on waiting lists, time is the most precious commodity, and every step towards increasing donations brings them closer to a second chance at life.