Every Transplant Matters: Takeda on Post-Transplant Care

Brussels, June 6, 2025 – On World Transplant Day, Takeda Belgium, the patient association Transplantoux, and the Belgian Transplantation Society (BTS) are jointly calling for improved post-transplant care. While more patients are surviving transplants, for many, the true journey towards recovery and a good quality life only begins after surgery.

Every day, three organ transplants^{1, 2} are performed in the country - over 1,080 in 2024 alone, marking an 8.5% increase from the previous year. These figures refer specifically to solid organ transplants from deceased donors³. These life-saving procedures are only the beginning of the journey. A transplant isn’t the end point, but rather the start of a complex recovery process, where high-quality aftercare is essential for long-term success. Recovery brings its own set of challenges — including a higher risk of infections, the need for strict medication adherence, and continuous medical follow-up.

To maximize transplant success rates and minimize the risk of complications or rejection, an integrated, multidisciplinary care approach is essential. This requires a cohesive team of specialists—doctors, nurses, psychologists, dietitians, and others — working together to support patients and their families throughout the entire recovery journey.

"Receiving a transplant was a turning point in my life. After the operation, I had to adapt to a new reality: medications, medical appointments, and vigilance for any signs of complications. Many patients lack the necessary support after hospitalization. I was fortunate to have a structured framework, clear information, and emotional support. Every patient deserves such guidance to fully benefit from this second chance," shares Patricia, a solid organ transplant recipient.

Every year on June 6, we observe World Transplant Day—a moment to reflect on the complex and often uncertain journey faced by transplant patients. For many, the wait for a compatible organ stretches over years, filled with hope and uncertainty. Yet, even after a transplant takes place, success is far from guaranteed. Without proper follow-up care, the risk of transplant failure remains a serious concern.

This reality must—and can—change. With stronger support from healthcare authorities and a greater focus on comprehensive post-transplant care, we can significantly improve outcomes. Better long-term care isn’t just a medical necessity; it can be the decisive factor between recovery and relapse.

The Importance of Continued Support After Transplantation

For the patient organization Transplantoux, achieving better outcomes for transplanted patients remains an absolute priority. By highlighting critical improvement points and clear priorities within post-transplant care, Transplantoux aims to promote strong multidisciplinary collaboration and contribute to better long-term health outcomes. Central to this approach is the role of physical activity and sport, which support not only physical recovery, but also mental well-being and the pursuit of a new life balance. Transplantoux actively encourages patients to stay active and resilient through exercise and sport, empowering them to make a real difference in their post-transplant journey.

“A transplant is not an end, but a new beginning,” says Raf Dubois, project leader at Transplantoux and himself a transplant recipient. “It’s more than a medical procedure—it’s a physical and emotional journey. The real challenge begins after the transplant: managing infection risks, lifelong medication, and psychological impact. That’s why patients need support in all aspects of life—not just medical, but also mental and social. At Transplantoux, we believe that moving forward together makes us stronger and brings us closer to a better quality of life after transplantation.”

Last year, Transplantoux organized the first Belgian Transplantoux Games, a sports event for transplant recipients with numerous activities and competitions. The association also plays a role on the international stage, participating in the World Transplant Games, which will be hosted in Leuven in 2027.

“We want every transplant to truly be a fresh start,” says Dr. Diethard Monbaliu, president of Transplantoux. “Regular physical activity is key—not just for recovery and long-term health, but also as a meaningful tribute to the donor and the extraordinary gift they’ve given.”

Concrete Recommendations

A targeted approach is essential to improve the quality of life for transplant patients. A newly released report, “Every Transplant Matters”, puts forward concrete policy recommendations aimed at strengthening post-transplant care in Belgium. The report addresses both the challenges and opportunities within aftercare following solid organ transplants (SOT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT), calling on policymakers to take decisive action.

The publication of the report is supported and welcomed by both the Belgian Transplantation Society (BTS) and Transplantoux. They emphasize the importance of the recommendations and actively voice their concerns on World Transplant Day to raise awareness about the need for improved transplant care in Belgium.

“As the Belgian Transplantation Society, we have long advocated for structural attention to post-transplant care,” says Prof. Eric Hoste, president of BTS. “A transplant is not the final step, but the beginning of a lifelong journey, where comprehensive, long-term, multidisciplinary follow-up is essential. This report fully aligns with our mission: to foster collaboration among healthcare professionals, patients, and policymakers. It highlights the key challenges and priorities of post-transplant care and underlines the value of a sustainable, multidisciplinary approach that can truly change lives for hundreds of patients each year.”

The policy recommendations in the report include both practical and structural proposals to improve post-transplant care. Among other things, it advocates for the introduction of a 'transplant card,' allowing emergency responders quick access to a patient's medical background. Furthermore, the report recommends a multidisciplinary approach, the recognition and training of specialized transplant nurses, and increased awareness of post-transplant infections among emergency care providers.

“With this strategic document, we want to engage in a constructive dialogue with policymakers to implement meaningful, lasting improvements,” says Stefaan Fiers, Head of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs at Takeda Belgium. “Our goal is clear: to give every transplant recipient the best possible chance to live a healthy, fulfilling life after their transplant.”