Geneva, Switzerland – Bartira de Aguiar Roza, a professor at the Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp) and a leading figure in the field of organ donation and transplantation, has been appointed to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Advisory Panel of Experts on Donation and Transplantation. The four-year appointment, effective immediately, recognizes Roza’s extensive research and dedication to improving organ donation practices globally. This appointment underscores Brazil’s growing role in advancing international health standards and the critical contribution of nursing professionals to complex medical fields.
The appointment was made by the WHO and formally designated through the Brazilian government and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). Roza’s expertise will contribute to the panel’s mission of providing technical information and advice to the WHO, strengthening policies and strategies related to ethical, safe, and effective transplantation systems worldwide. According to Manoel Neri, president of the Federal Council of Nursing, the nomination “reflects the excellence of research and the leadership of Brazilian Nursing in organ transplantation.”
Brazil is a recognized leader in organ donation, having completed over 30,000 transplants in 2024, boasting the largest public system in the world. Nursing professionals are integral to every stage of this process, from identifying potential donors to providing technical and emotional support to families during and after donation. Roza’s operate has been pivotal in understanding the complexities of this process, and her contributions are expected to further enhance Brazil’s already strong position in the field.
Roza’s research has focused on critical aspects of organ donation, including logistical challenges in organ transport and the reasons behind family refusals. Notably, she and her colleagues at Unifesp developed an innovative packaging solution to improve temperature control during organ transport – a crucial factor in transplant success. Her studies have revealed significant gaps in public understanding of brain death, with approximately 21% of families not fully comprehending the concept, and nearly 20% citing religious beliefs or concerns about hospital competence as reasons for declining donation.
Addressing Barriers to Organ Donation Through Education
Roza’s research highlights the importance of improved training for healthcare professionals to address these concerns and increase donation rates. This need for enhanced education was a central theme at the Brazilian Nursing Councils Congress in August. The findings underscore the need for sensitive and informed communication with families during the donation process, addressing their concerns and providing clear explanations about brain death and the transplantation procedure.
The role of the nursing team in organ donation, procurement, and transplantation is formally outlined in Resolution 710/2022. This resolution details the nurse’s responsibilities, including conducting family interviews regarding organ donation and performing the necessary procedures for body reconstruction, including suturing.
A Legacy of Research and Innovation
Roza’s commitment to the field extends back to 2017, with ongoing collaboration with PAHO/WHO in Washington D.C. She described the invitation to join the WHO panel as a culmination of 30 years of dedication, stating, “I am very happy and honored with this international recognition.” She also emphasized the crucial support provided by Unifesp in enabling her work, adding, “I am certain that the Federal University of São Paulo is a participant in this honor.”
Her work extends beyond logistical improvements and understanding family perspectives. Roza’s research into the “use of therapeutic substances of human origin (SoHO)” demonstrates a broad commitment to advancing medical science and improving patient outcomes.
The appointment of Professor Roza to the WHO Advisory Panel signifies a growing recognition of the vital role nurses play in shaping global health policy and practice. As the panel begins its work, its recommendations are expected to influence transplantation practices worldwide, ultimately leading to increased organ availability and improved outcomes for patients in need.
Looking ahead, the WHO panel’s work will be crucial in addressing the global organ shortage and ensuring equitable access to transplantation. The insights gained from experts like Professor Roza will be instrumental in developing strategies to overcome cultural barriers, improve organ preservation techniques, and strengthen international collaboration in the field of organ donation and transplantation.
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