Christodoulides urges greater trust in Cyprus’ organ transplantation system

Paphos, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday that the state must support patients and families and encourage a culture of giving, as he urged greater public trust in Cyprus’ organ transplantation system. His recorded message marked the 25th European Day for Organ, Tissue and Cell Donation, which Cyprus will host in Paphos on Friday.

Recognition of donors and families

Christodoulides urged the public to learn more about donation and support it through their actions.

The event is dedicated to organ, tissue and cell donors and their families, who provide what he described as the “gift of life” through living and deceased donation.

He called donation “a selfless act that brings strangers together through the most meaningful connection possible, life itself”.

Every transplant had a human story behind it, he said, involving donors and their families, as well as patients facing illness and hoping for another chance at life.

Building trust and addressing concerns

Hosting the European Day in Paphos was an important recognition for Cyprus, Christodoulides said. It also carried a responsibility to speak openly about donation, provide accurate information and address fears and misconceptions.

“It is the responsibility of the state and the authorities to foster trust in the organ transplantation system, support patients and their families, and strengthen a culture of solidarity, empathy and giving,” he said.

European cooperation and state support

Cyprus has worked closely with the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and HealthCare and participates in European initiatives on donation and transplantation.

Christodoulides said the health ministry and transplantation council had also taken steps to strengthen the sector, with state support.