We Discussed the Future of Organ Transplantation at the Balkan Initiative Workshop
On June 15, 2024, I participated in the “Transplantation Without Borders: Balkan Initiative” workshop, organized by ESOT and EKITA, leading European institutions in the field of organ transplantation. This valuable event, held with the support of the Albanian Society of Nephrology and the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Albania, brought together leading medical professionals and policymakers from across Europe and the United States.
Taking on a significant role on the opening day, I served as the Session Chair for the first session, titled “Setting the Stage: Current State of Transplantation in the Balkans,” alongside my esteemed colleague Elvana Rista from Albania. During the same session, I also delivered my presentation on “The ESOT/EKITA Perspective on Regional Collaboration.”
Throughout the workshop, we addressed the current challenges in organ transplantation across the Western Balkans, focusing on regional collaboration, medical training, legislative frameworks, and innovative practices. We engaged in productive keynote presentations, case studies, and moderated discussions on topics such as living and deceased donation, transplant team training, and the development of paired donation programs. I believe that such international collaborations are incredibly valuable in our mission to provide better treatment opportunities for our patients.
Scientific Programme Committee
- Elvana Rista, Tirana, Albania
- Emin Bariş Akin, Istanbul, Turkey
- Carmen Lefaucheur, Paris, France
- Fernanda Ortiz, Helsinki, Finland
- Jelena Stojanovic, London, United Kingdom
- Frank Dor, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Ariana Strakosha, Tirana, Albania
- Goce Spasovski, Skopje, North Macedonia
- Jamil Azzi, Boston, United States
- EKITA Board
Organising Committee
- Devi Mey, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Alma Idrizi, Tirana, Albania
- Margarita Gjata, Tirana, Albania
- Entela Kolovani, Tirana, Albania
- Ergys Ramosacaj, Tirana, Albania