In 2025, organ donation numbers in Germany reached their highest level since 2012. A total of 985 people donated organs after their death – 32 more than in 2024 and an increase of 3.4 percent. This corresponds to 11.8 donors per million inhabitants. Through the international mediation agency Eurotransplant, 3,020 organs were removed and transplanted, including 1,495 kidneys, 823 livers, 315 hearts, 308 lungs, 76 pancreas and three intestines.

The University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden is one of the leading hospitals in Germany. There, a total of 20 patients were led to postmortem organ donation in 2025. The hospital’s transplant center performs kidney and combined pancreatic-kidney transplants. Last year, 57 kidney transplants were performed, 14 of which were living donations – an increase from 51 transplants and 10 living donations in 2024.

Despite the positive development, demand remains high. At the end of 2025, about 8,199 people were on the waiting list for a donor organ, most of them for a kidney. One organ donation helps an average of three people. In an international comparison, Germany continues to be in the lower range.

The University Hospital Dresden focuses on education and awareness-raising. High-profile campaigns such as a scientific symposium on the 30th anniversary of the kidney transplant center, the partnership at the World Transplant Games 2025 in Dresden and the Pro Organ Donation bike tour contributed to raising awareness. Those responsible emphasize the need for ongoing information and education.

An innovative digital tool also supports the early identification of potential donors. The screening tool DETECT, which was developed and primarily implemented at the University Hospital Dresden, continuously analyzes vital data from the electronic patient record in intensive care units. It identifies patients with imminent irreversible brain function loss at an early stage and supports transplant officers in activating internal hospital processes. The tool is increasingly being introduced in other hospitals.

To strengthen interprofessional cooperation, the Interprofessional Organ Donation Day “Joint Task Connects” will take place on March 26, 2026 at the University Hospital Dresden. Experts are calling for further measures to increase the willingness to donate organs and to close gaps in care.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.