Kidney

The Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in the lower back that filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. Kidney transplantation is a life-saving treatment for individuals with end-stage kidney disease, but the demand for organs far exceeds the supply of available organs from deceased donors.

This has led to a growing market for illegal kidney trafficking, in which kidneys are purchased from vulnerable individuals and transplanted into those who can afford to pay for them. Kidney trafficking is a serious violation of human rights and is often associated with other forms of human trafficking, as victims are often coerced or forced into selling their organs.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 10% of all kidney transplants worldwide may be the result of illegal trafficking. Kidney trafficking can have serious health consequences for both donors and recipients, including infection, rejection of the transplanted organ, and even death.

Efforts to combat kidney trafficking include increasing awareness of the risks and consequences, strengthening regulation and oversight of the transplant industry, and increasing the availability of legal and ethical sources of organ donation. Additionally, improving access to dialysis and other forms of treatment for kidney disease can help reduce the demand for illegal kidney trafficking.