People infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can now donate their organs to others who are also living with the virus, as announced by the French Ministry of Health. This decision "raises hope among many HIV-positive patients who often suffer from liver diseases and need transplant surgeries."
According to a statement from the French Ministry of Health, "this new possibility has become available thanks to advances in anti-HIV treatments and organ transplant techniques."
The decision follows the implementation of a similar mechanism for individuals carrying indicators of Hepatitis C, which yielded positive results, according to the ministry.
HIV-positive individuals can receive organs from both HIV-positive and HIV-negative donors. The expansion of the list of potential donors is said to "benefit everyone" as it provides a broader pool for HIV-negative recipients to find suitable donors.
Approximately 173,000 people in France are living with the HIV virus, which weakens the immune system and can lead to AIDS. Prolonged antiviral treatments have sometimes caused liver toxicity and, in some cases, kidney issues.
