4 The Global Pediatric Transplant Centers Map (GPTCM): A collaborative advocacy initiative
Sunday September 21, 2025 from 09:15 to 10:45
MOA 4
Presenter
Abstract

The Global Pediatric Transplant Centers Map (GPTCM): A collaborative advocacy initiative

Stefany Hernandez Benabe1, Rebecca Mercedes3, Evelyn Hsu4, Stephen Marks5, Piya Walabh6, Anne Dipchand8, Thomaza Siyotula7, Mignon McCulloh7, Irini Batsis2.

1Miami Transplant Institute, Miami, FL, United States; 2Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; 3Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; 4Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, United States; 5Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom; 6Gauteng Department of Health, Johannesburg, South Africa; 7Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital , Cape Town, South Africa; 8The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada

Purpose: The Global Pediatric Transplant Centers Map (GPTCM) is an initiative developed by the IPTA Advocacy Committee. Its purpose is to explore and highlight the current global landscape of pediatric transplantation and provide accessible and up-to-date information about transplant centers. This project aims to foster collaboration, identify gaps in access, and serve as a resource for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers.
Methods: Data for the GPTCM were collected through a structured survey disseminated via IPTA and utilized tools of communication, relationships and international fellowship to invite pediatric transplant centers worldwide to voluntarily provide details about their programs and services, including center location and contact information, website, type of transplants provided, and available trainee positions. Responses were reviewed for accuracy and completeness before inclusion. The map is updated biannually to ensure information remains current and relevant. Data visualization and mapping were accomplished using MapHub, a live interactive online mapping platform publicly accessible at no cost.
Access the Map: 

Results: The GPTCM currently includes data from 56 transplant centers representing 27 countries across six continents, reflecting wide variability in worldwide geographic distribution. Initial findings reveal significant disparities in access to pediatric transplant services globally, with lower access in resource-limited settings. Feedback from the participating centers indicates that the tool is valuable for identifying referral networks and fostering regional collaboration.
Conclusions: The GPTCM represents a significant step towards improving global pediatric transplant access. By providing a transparent, comprehensive, and continuously updated resource, this initiative facilitates international collaboration, enhances awareness of service gaps, and supports advocacy efforts to improve access to pediatric transplantation globally. Ongoing engagement with centers worldwide is critical to ensuring the long-term success and accuracy of map whilst optimizing and increasing utility of the map.

References:

[1] Pediatric Transplantation
[2] Advocacy
[3] Global Health
[4] Access to Care


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