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Africa's Illegal Organ Trade: A Thriving, Unpunished Crime
The illegal organ trade thrives in Africa due to poverty, lack of regulation, and high demand, exploiting vulnerable populations for profit.
German
Germany
Human Rights ViolationsHealthGermany Human RightsAfricaCrimePovertyOrgan Trafficking
Global Financial Integrity (Gfi)Kenyatta National HospitalWorld Health Organization (Who)United Nations Office On Drugs And Crime (Unodc)European Parliament
Frank TietieWillis OkumuIke Ekweremadu
- What is the scale and impact of the illegal organ trade in Africa?
- The illegal organ trade in Africa is a massive, largely unpunished business that preys on the most vulnerable.
- Who are the key players involved in the illegal organ trade network?
- Networks involved include medical professionals, local criminal groups, and even politicians, highlighting the complex and well-organized nature of the trade.
- What motivates individuals to sell their organs in this illicit market?
- The trade is driven by poverty and a high demand for organs, with willing sellers motivated by the promise of quick money, often exceeding $6,000 per kidney.
- What factors contribute to the high demand for organs in the illegal market?
- The scarcity of legal transplantation centers in Africa, coupled with the global shortage of organs, contributes to the demand for illegal transplants.
- What are the challenges in enforcing laws against organ trafficking in Africa?
- While some transplants involve willing sellers, coercion is also involved; the lack of regulation and law enforcement makes prosecution difficult.