Organ donation and ethnicity
We need organ donors from all communities. For many patients in need of a transplant the most suitable match will come from a donor with the same ethnic background as themselves.
What is organ donation matching?
Kidney donors and recipients are matched by blood group and tissue type, and people from the same ethnic background are more likely to have matching blood groups and tissue types.
For other organs there is a need to match blood groups, but less or no requirement to match tissue types.
Be the difference
If you are Black, Asian or belong to a minority ethnic group, your decision to become an organ donor could increase the chances of someone from the same ethnic background finding a suitable match.
You could even save someone's life.
Watch our short video
Did you know?
Black, Asian and minority ethnic patients often have to wait significantly longer for a successful match than white patients, due to a shortage of suitably matched donors.
If more people with these ethnic backgrounds donated their organs after death, or as a living donor, then transplant waiting times would reduce.
About organ donation
Want to find out more before making your decision? Get the facts about organ donation and registering your decision, or learn more about organ donation and your beliefs.
Personal stories
Watch Sadia's story
Since a match was found for Sadia, she has been campaigning to raise awareness about the need for more donors from her community.
Watch Primrose's story
Primrose is a kidney transplant recipient who is passionate about increasing awareness of the need for more black donors.
