Groundbreaking Organ Transplant from HIV-Positive Donor Marks a World First
In a landmark achievement for medicine, surgeons at NYU Langone in the United States performed the world’s first combined lung and liver transplant from an HIV-positive donor to an HIV-positive recipient. The procedure took place on March 21, 2026, and the patient was 56-year-old Bertrand Nelson, who had been living with HIV and sarcoidosis since 2000. A severe case of Legionnaires' disease in 2021 caused extensive damage to his lungs, which in turn led to liver failure. By 2024, Nelson required constant supplemental oxygen to breathe.
The March 21 surgery represents a major milestone in transplant medicine. Nelson received both organs in a single day, and three months later, the medical center reported on his progress. The patient is now breathing on his own, has been discharged from the hospital, is lifting weights, and is steadily regaining his strength. This achievement was made possible by the U.S. HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act, passed in 2013. While heart and abdominal organ transplants had been performed under the HOPE Act before, lung transplantation had not yet been attempted.
Implications for the HIV-Positive Community
Dr. Mark A. Sonnick, one of the surgeons involved in the operation, noted: 'Heart and abdominal organ transplants have been done under HOPE, but this had not been done for lung transplants. It takes a special kind of patient who is willing to do what has never been done before.'
Bertrand Nelson also expressed hope that his case would open new doors for people in need of organ transplants. 'There are so many other people who need access to this level of care. The more organs that become available, the better the chances of finding the right match and living a long life,' he emphasized.
This case marks a turning point for the HIV-positive community and demonstrates real progress toward equity in organ transplantation, according to Sapna Mehta, a representative of the medical center: 'This is a pivotal moment for the HIV-positive community and a real step forward in creating fairness in organ transplantation.' Approximately 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and this breakthrough could significantly improve their access to life-saving medical care.
The story underscores the importance of medical progress, particularly in organ transplantation for patients with HIV. Not only does it open up new possibilities for those awaiting transplants, but it also raises important questions about healthcare accessibility for HIV-positive individuals. The success of this operation may encourage further research and policy changes, ensuring equal access to vital medical services for all patients, regardless of their HIV status.