Cyprus has recorded 1,171 kidney transplants from a total of 1,108 organ donors, while 181 transplants have been donated to other countries, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides said during the 25th European Organ, Tissue and Cell Donation Day, hosted in Paphos.
According to the minister, Cyprus has developed its transplantation services over four decades through the contribution of healthcare professionals, international cooperation and the generosity of donors and their families.
The Karaiskakis Foundation has contributed to the development of the Volunteer Bone Marrow Donor Registry, which includes more than 200,000 Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot volunteers. More than 1,000 Cypriot volunteers have already provided transplants to patients in 36 countries.
Addressing the event, Charalambides highlighted the importance of donation in giving patients the opportunity to continue their lives and regain their health and independence.
“Donation does not cancel the loss nor replace the person who has passed away. However, it can offer another person the opportunity to continue their life. ‘Sharing lives’ expresses this human importance of giving,” the minister said.
“And herein lies its deepest power. Organ and tissue donation is perhaps the only act where death and illness do not have the final say.”
The minister also highlighted the need to strengthen Cyprus’ transplantation system through a National Action Plan for transplants, improved coordination between healthcare services and an integrated information system for relevant registries.
Planned measures include strengthening the network of transplant coordinators in public and private hospitals and providing further training for medical staff involved in identifying and managing potential donors.
Charalambides also stressed the importance of supporting donor families, protecting living donors and ensuring transparent allocation procedures based on objective medical criteria.
Citing Council of Europe data, he noted that more than 100,000 patients across member states are awaiting organ transplants, while more than 8,000 die while on waiting lists.
This year’s theme, “Sharing lives,” captures the essence of donation: offering another person the opportunity to continue their life and, in many cases, regain their health and autonomy.
