Rising Illegal Trade in Human Organs: A Global Epidemic
The trade of human organs is soaring to epidemic proportions, yet remains shrouded in public silence, according to Nigerian human rights lawyer Frank Tietie. A report by Global Financial Integrity estimated that trafficking in persons for organ removal yields between $840 million and $1.7 billion annually.
While organ donation and transplantation are pivotal in healthcare, concerns arise when poverty drives individuals to sell their organs. Nairobi’s Kenyatta National Hospital even had to clarify on Facebook that they do not purchase kidneys, as unscrupulous doctors exploit vulnerable populations for illegal transplants.
Despite illegality across Africa, organ trafficking persists. The growth of this immoral trade is linked to a severe shortage of legal organ donors and insufficient medical centers performing transplants in Africa. Networks facilitating organ trafficking involve various sectors, including the medical field, criminal groups, and politicians.
International syndicates and doctors engage in illicit practices, prompting a UK jury verdict against Nigerian figures for organ exploitation. This underworld operation highlights the danger of “baby factories” falling prey to organ traffickers. The responsibility lies on medical centers to uphold ethical standards and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
Edited by: Keith Walker
