Report on Activities by the Donor Network in BiH and the Association of Dialysis and Transplanted Patients of FBiH in the Last Quarter of 2024
Recognition for Contributions to Transplant Medicine
In September 2024, during a symposium commemorating the 101st anniversary of the Institute for Public Health of FBiH, activists from the Donor Network and the Association of Dialysis and Transplanted Patients of FBiH (UDiTB FBiH), alongside distinguished doctors in transplant medicine, were honored with a Certificate of Recognition by the Federal Ministry of Health. This recognition highlighted their development efforts and contributions to the transplant program in FBiH.
Visit to KB Zenica – Leading Donor Hospital
In October, the Donor Network in BiH (DM BiH) and UDiTB FBiH visited KB Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina's leading donor hospital. During the visit, symbolic gifts and special awards were presented to the hospital's management and top transplant coordinators for their dedicated efforts in saving numerous lives of critically ill patients.
Collaboration with State Institutions
The work of these two NGOs (DM BiH and UDiTB FBiH) has garnered recognition from state institutions, notably the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH. Following several meetings throughout the year, the idea emerged to hold a symposium in the BiH Parliament to mark European Organ Donation Day. This prominent and well-attended event was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Donor Network in BiH.
Public Forum on Organ Donation and Transplantation
On October 30, DM BiH, in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine in Foča and its student organization, hosted a public forum titled “Organ Donation and Transplantation.” The event drew an impressive crowd of young people and citizens eager to learn about organ donation and transplantation. Attendees posed numerous questions, which were addressed by expert speakers, helping to dispel myths and taboos surrounding organ donation.
Symposium: “We Have Donors – We Have Transplants”
On November 7, the Grand Amphitheater of the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo hosted the symposium “We Have Donors – We Have Transplants,” organized by KCUS, the Donor Network in BiH, and the Association of Dialysis and Transplanted Patients in FBiH. The event was attended by notable guests, including:
- Dubravka Bošnjak, Minister of Civil Affairs of BiH
- Enis Hasanović, Minister of Health of KS
- Saša Magazinović, Member of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH
- Dr. Halima Resić, President of the Donor Network in BiH
- Tomislav Žuljević, President of UDiTB FBiH
- Olivera Tadić, Director of the Center for Transplant Medicine, Federal Ministry of Health
- Dr. Ismet Gavrankapetanović, Director of the General Hospital “Prim. Dr. Abdulah Nakaš”
- Experts in transplant medicine, pharmacists, medical staff, and other distinguished guests.
The symposium was opened by Prof. Dr. Hajrija Maksić, Acting General Director of KCUS, who welcomed the participants.
Closing Event in Zenica – A New Chance for Life
The culmination of activities marking European Organ Donation Day took place at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Zenica. Titled “Organ Donation – A New Chance for Life,” the event was co-organized by the Donor Network in BiH and UDiTB FBiH. It was attended by a large number of students, the dean, doctors, and transplant medicine experts.
Community Outreach and Media Engagement
Patient associations also organized outdoor activities, distributing promotional and educational materials and collecting signed donor cards at all events. Media engagement was high, with DM BiH and UDiTB FBiH members appearing in numerous TV and radio programs to promote organ donation awareness.
Conclusion
The activities of the Donor Network in BiH and UDiTB FBiH in 2024 significantly advanced public awareness, education, and support for organ donation and transplantation. With continued collaboration among stakeholders, these efforts provide hope and new opportunities for patients awaiting life-saving transplants.