Conference on the Importance of Organ Donation in BiH: European Day for Organ Donation Celebrated for the First Time in BiH Institutions

The Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina organized the first conference in celebration of the European Day for Organ and Tissue Donation, affirming its commitment to improving transplantation medicine. This event marks a significant step in the Ministry's efforts for Bosnia and Herzegovina to become a member of Eurotransplant, the international organization coordinating organ exchange among its members. The conference was held in collaboration with the Donor Network in BiH, highlighting the importance of organ donation and the steps being taken to enhance transplantation medicine in the country.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's Minister of Civil Affairs, Dubravka Bošnjak, emphasized that organ donation is not only a medical success but also a humanitarian act that saves lives. "That is why it is essential for all of us to work together to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Open discussions about this topic in our communities, among families and friends, can be crucial in encouraging people to become donors. This act can provide new life to those for whom transplantation is the only chance for survival," Bošnjak stated.

The Minister also highlighted the progress in the process of Bosnia and Herzegovina's accession to Eurotransplant. "In 2024, we sent a letter of intent for membership in Eurotransplant, and at their annual meeting in The Hague, we presented our activities and plans. We received support from Eurotransplant, which is an extremely positive sign, as membership would allow our patients greater access to donated organs and a better chance for successful transplants," Bošnjak said.

The President of the Donor Network in BiH, Prof. Dr. Halima Resić, stressed that the key challenge for BiH's accession to Eurotransplant is increasing the number of donors. "In this regard, support from the public and media, particularly from relevant institutions, is crucial. Systemic support is needed that goes beyond campaigns, involving serious research and long-term collaboration," Resić stated.

She highlighted the importance of continuous institutional support and called for broader social mobilization to ensure patients' right to quality healthcare and life.

A special focus at the conference was drawn by the emotional speech of Marija Jarak, a patient who received a heart transplant. She shared her story about how transplantation gave her a new life and urged attendees to sign donor cards and support organ donation.

In June 2024, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, with the consent of the relevant health authorities of the entities and Brčko District, sent a letter of intent for membership in Eurotransplant, and the annual meeting of Eurotransplant in The Hague presented previous activities and plans. We received support from Eurotransplant, which is an extremely positive sign, as membership would allow our patients greater access to donated organs and a better chance for successful transplants.

 

Additionally, the Ministry of Civil Affairs initiated several bilateral initiatives and established contacts with transplantation centres cooperating with Eurotransplant to gain additional information and experiences that will help us improve our system.

TAIEX expert support has also been approved, which will help us map our capacities for organ donation and transplantation and further enhance our healthcare system. This is an important step towards institutional strengthening and improving the organ donation and transplantation programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs, along with health institutions, will continue intensive activities to promote organ donation in our country, aiming to create a system that will ensure better access to transplants and greater chances for life for our citizens.