Mother Receives Kidney From Daughter in SLBMC’s 14th Transplant

A 49-year-old mother has received a new kidney from her 26-year-old daughter in a successful transplant at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC), marking the hospital’s 14th kidney transplant.

The procedure was performed on September 25, with both the mother and her daughter reported to be doing well as they remain under close medical observation during their recovery.

The transplant was led by Abdominal Transplant and Urologic Surgeon Dr. Obi Ekwenna, with SLBMC Transplant Nephrologist Dr. Ian Thomas and the wider multidisciplinary medical team involved throughout the process.

The latest procedure comes as SLBMC looks ahead to 2027, when its kidney transplant programme will celebrate its 10th anniversary.

Dr. Thomas said each transplant represents an opportunity for patients and their families to experience a better quality of life, while encouraging more people to consider living kidney donation.

“There are still patients waiting for the opportunity to receive a new kidney,” Thomas said, noting that potential donors do not necessarily have to be relatives of recipients.

The hospital’s kidney transplant programme has provided treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease while helping to expand local expertise and capacity in specialized renal care.

The programme’s development has received significant support from the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS), which has invested in strengthening the resources and capacity required to provide kidney transplantation in Antigua and Barbuda.

The Antigua and Barbuda Renal Society has also played a longstanding role through fundraising, public education and direct assistance with specialized renal treatment. The Society provided financial support toward the latest transplant.

SLBMC said the contributions of MBS and the Renal Society have helped build and sustain the transplant service, making specialized kidney care more accessible locally.

The hospital also congratulated the mother and daughter following the successful surgery, while recognizing the medical team, their families and the donor for their roles in making the transplant possible.