Bosnia and Herzegovina Marks European Organ Donation Day #BeADonor – #GiveHope – #GiveLife

The Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina organized the Second Conference on the occasion of the European Organ Donation Day on 14 October, thereby reaffirming its ongoing commitment to the advancement of transplant medicine. The Conference, organized in cooperation with the Donor Network of BiH, brought together transplant recipients, donor families, healthcare professionals, representatives of civil society, and officials with the aim of promoting organ donation and raising awareness of the importance of donation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Minister of Civil Affairs, Dubravka Bošnjak, presented the Ministry's concrete efforts to strengthen transplant medicine. After a 14-year hiatus, Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken a significant step forward by submitting a Letter of Intent to Eurotransplant, thus officially initiating the process of accession to this prestigious European organ exchange network.

"The past year has demonstrated that Bosnia and Herzegovina is capable – 2024 was a year of hope and significant progress. We recorded the highest number of transplants in recent years, including the first heart transplant, which is evidence that our medical teams have both the courage and the expertise. However, 2025 has already reminded us of our weaknesses. The decline in the number of transplants compared to the previous year clearly indicates a lack of continuity. Unfortunately, this contrast reveals the reality – a system that depends too much on the enthusiasm of individuals and insufficiently on clearly defined procedures," said Minister Bošnjak.

She further noted that the Ministry had awarded a grant to support the Donor Network of BiH and had organized the first state-level conference on organ donation in the country.

"We have also initiated two TAIEX technical assistance instruments in the field of transplant medicine and have submitted a request for a third one. The key finding of both missions was clear – our country has qualified teams and strong potential, but without a systematic approach, an increased number of deceased donors, and full coordination, progress will not be sustainable," Bošnjak emphasized.

She further stated that organ transplantation must become a routine rather than a rare occurrence, highlighting the responsibility towards those on waiting lists and the families who had the courage to donate the organs of their loved ones. Minister Bošnjak also underlined the support of religious communities, which have confirmed that organ donation and saving lives is an act of kindness and compassion.

The Federal Minister of Health, Nediljko Rimac, emphasized the financial support provided by the Federation of BiH to the transplant initiative, noting an investment of BAM 200,000 to promote the transplant programme.

"This is an opportunity to remind ourselves how many lives can be saved by a single decision – the decision to give life," Rimac stated. He highlighted the importance of continued cooperation between government bodies and stakeholders in the health sector to ensure the success of the programme.

The President of the Donor Network of BiH, Associate Professor Dr Halima Resić, expressed her gratitude to the Ministry for its financial and institutional support, which has been crucial for the survival and development of the network. Dr Resić also presented the new visual identity of the Donor Network and received a special award in recognition of her work on behalf of transplant recipients.

The Conference also included a video message from Dr Dirk van Raemdonck, Chair of the Eurotransplant Supervisory Board, who encouraged Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue enhancing its organ donation and transplantation infrastructure. Dr van Raemdonck acknowledged the progress achieved but emphasized the need for further steps to integrate Bosnia and Herzegovina into the Eurotransplant network.

During a panel discussion entitled “Be a Donor – Give Life – Give Hope,” transplant recipients and donor families shared their personal stories, with their emotional testimonies highlighting the profound impact organ donation has on individuals and families. Branka Vasiljević Todorović, the mother of a deceased donor, stated that being a donor is a noble act. She added that by deciding to donate their son’s organs, she and her husband were honouring his wish.

"These are very difficult situations, and one can never be fully prepared for them, but they must be openly discussed. It begins with ourselves and those close to us. Life is strange, and its paths are unpredictable," she said.

Under the slogan #BeADonor – #GiveLife – #GiveHope, following the Conference, a ceremonial ride was organized for conference participants and Ministry staff led by Minister Bošnjak, aboard a restored electric tram from 1895.

Through its continuous cooperation with international partners, healthcare professionals, and civil society in the country, the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina remains unwavering in its commitment to building a functional, sustainable, and transparent organ donation and transplantation system.