By Antonis

Copyright thenationalherald

ATHENS – Greece’s organ transplant program set a record in 2024 with 10.6 percent per one million people – double the rate of 2019 – but still far short of the goal of 20 although authorities are encouraged by the increase.

The Greek Transplant Organization (EOM) reported 111 deceased organ donors, 125 living kidney and liver donors, and 361 transplant recipients and only 26 percent of families said they wouldn’t allow donations.

EOM President Georgios Papatheodoridis attributed the increase to public education programs about the need for donations that save lives with transplants from people who otherwise would be buried or cremated.

In 2024, intensive care units (ICUs) contributed markedly to the donor pool, with major hospitals like Attikon and Sotiria leading the way. The introduction of local transplant coordinators has been critical, the number increasing from 7 to 20.

Papatheodoridis stressed the importance of quality in transplant outcomes, especially in heart and lung transplants, where Greece has exceeded international survival rates in surpassing other countries.

In May a public awareness event, part of the Onassis Foundation’s Organ meetings, urged citizens to embrace a “health behavior” of donation in knowing it’s passing on the gift of live to others.

“Knowing your loved one lives on through someone else is redemptive,” said Voula Kolliopoulou, mother of a donor. Heart transplant recipient Kostas Moiras said, “It’s great to be able to walk, drink water, and go to the sea.”

The Health Ministry plans to launch an e-notification system to boost registration. “We simply haven’t tried hard enough,” said Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis at the time, with education efforts being stepped up.