World Organ Donation Day: The Ministry of Health and Social Security Reaffirms the Vital Importance of Organ Donation

On the occasion of World Organ Donation Day, celebrated on 17 October, the Ministry of Health and Social Security wishes to raise public awareness of the importance of this vital and life-saving act. Martine Deprez, Minister of Health and Social Security, points out: "Organ donation is a fundamental act of solidarity. With the introduction of the Shared Medical Record (DSP), it is important for everyone to express their decision clearly."

As every year, Luxembourg Transplant, the official body responsible for organ donation and transplantation, is organising its traditional Spinning Marathon:

• Date: 12 October 2025
• Venue: LuxExpo The Box, Hall 7 (South Entrance), 10 Circuit de la Foire Internationale, L-1347 Luxembourg-Kirchberg
• Time: 10 am (10:00) - 6.30 pm 18:30

This event brings together more than a thousand participants and supporters each year.

Organ donation: a gesture that saves lives

For certain serious illnesses, transplantation is the only possible treatment to save a patient's life. In other cases, it can greatly improve quality of life.

In 2024, Luxembourg recorded seven organ donors, a figure that remained stable compared with 2023. Thanks to these donations, 22 organs were successfully transplanted through the European network Eurotransplant. 104 patients (+17 compared with 2023) were registered on the national pre-transplant list awaiting transplantation in a foreign centre. Among them, 48 new patients joined the list, while two were removed. In total, 36 residents of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg received transplants carried out in partner centres abroad.

Declaring your wishes through the Shared Medical Record (DSP)

The Shared Medical Record (Dossier de soins partagé, DSP) allows every citizen to clearly express their wishes regarding organ donation. When logging in for the first time, users can indicate whether they agree to or refuse organ retrieval after their death. This information has official status and will be verified by the doctor before any procedure. Before any organ retrieval takes place, the doctor must always check the deceased person's wishes: they consult the DSP and, if no DSP exists or it is closed, they turn to the designated trusted person.

The amended law of 25 November 1982 on organs intended for transplantation establishes the principle that anyone who has not expressed an objection is considered a potential donor.

Further information:

Press release by the Ministry of Health and Social Security