An awareness rising event titled “Donation That Gives Life” was held at Azerbaijan University at the initiative of the Coordination Center for Organ Donation and Transplantation (ODTKM) operating under the Ministry of Health. The event was attended by Azerbaijan University leadership, faculty members, students, and representatives of the Center.

Opening the event with a welcoming address, Vice-Rector for Scientific Affairs of Azerbaijan University Yusif Gasimov emphasized that organ donation is an important moral and social issue for society and highlighted the significance of educational initiatives in this field.

In her presentation, Deputy Chairperson of the Center Gunay Abbasova spoke about the history of organ transplantation in Azerbaijan, the establishment of the Center, its objectives and activities, the current state of organ donation in the country, and future goals, also drew attention to national statistics on transplant surgeries. It was noted that Azerbaijan is a leading country in organ transplantation in the South Caucasus region. Azerbaijan has successfully performed its first organ retrieval from a deceased donor, and heart transplantation - the highest level of achievement in healthcare - has already been successfully carried out in our country.

Gunay Abbasova underlined that organ donation and transplantation in Azerbaijan are strictly regulated by legislation. At present, transplant surgeries are conducted in full compliance with the law and are funded by the state. As such, transplant surgeries are included in the mandatory health insurance Services Package, and state oversight ensures that these processes are carried out in a transparent and reliable manner.

Subsequently, Mehriban Aliyeva, physician-coordinator at the Coordination Center for Organ Donation and Transplantation, delivered a presentation on the medical, legal, and ethical aspects of organ donation. She explained the “opt-in” and “opt-out” systems applied in organ donation and familiarized participants with international practices from various countries.

During the interactive segment of the event, questions from faculty members and students were addressed. Students and University staff who actively participated in the discussion were presented with symbolic gifts related to organ donation.

At the conclusion, a group of students who wished to support awareness raising initiatives signed consent declarations to become posthumous organ donors in form approved by the Council of the Ministry of Health.

Public Relations Department