Spain's first organ transplant between HIV patients performed at Vall d'Hebron

The Hospital Vall d'Hebron in Barcelona has performed the first organ transplant in Spain between two people with HIV, a kidney transplant from a living donor. The recipient, a 59-year-old man with chronic glomerulonephritis, no longer needs dialysis. The donor, also HIV-positive, volunteered after learning of his friend's condition. Both are recovering well.

Legal change

The procedure was made possible by a 2025 law that repealed a 1987 ban on organ donation by HIV-positive individuals. The new protocol, approved in May 2026, ensures safety and uniformity. Spain joins South Africa, the US, and three European countries in allowing this practice. Source: ABC Source: Infobae

Impact and stigma

• About 50 HIV-positive patients await organs in Spain annually: 30 kidneys, 15 livers, 5 heart/lung/pancreas. Source: Infobae
• Experts say the transplant marks a step toward destigmatizing HIV. The anonymity of the donor and recipient reflects lingering stigma. Source: El Confidencial
• The ONT director noted that the change fulfills the right of HIV patients to be donors. Source: ABC