The first international paired exchange website was launched today at www.internationalkidney.org. Founding contributors include paired exchange programs from the United States, Canada, Australia & New Zealand (ANZKX), and the single center program from King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, who are committed to advancing paired exchange and kidney transplantation worldwide.
The founding contributors invite all paired exchange programs in the world to contribute data for inclusion in the international paired exchange website.
“By sharing information and comparing data with international counterparts, programs will better understand how they are doing and where they can take steps to improve outcomes for patients,” said Dr. Michel Paquet, Medical Advisor for Canadian Blood Services. “This initiative is certain to be a useful resource for kidney exchange programs around the globe.”
“Bringing the experiences of international KPD programs together is a catalyst for new ideas and innovations in paired exchange which will help many patients around the world,” added Dr. Khalid Abdulmohsen Almeshari of King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.
“We are pleased to be a part of this collaboration in support of the international advancement of paired kidney exchange,” remarked Dr. Peter Hughes of The Royal Melbourne Hospital in Australia. “The more we can share information, the more likely we are to improve kidney transplant access and outcomes around the world,” said Garet Hil, Founder of the National Kidney Registry and a living kidney donor.
Paired exchange programs can participate in this initiative by going to
www.internationalkidney.org and clicking on the button at the bottom of the home page.