AESA, in partnership with PLANET S.A., is proud to announce the successful completion of the EU-funded project “Support to the Transplantation System in the Republic of North Macedonia” (June 2023 – March 2025).
Implemented under the EU SIEA 2018 Framework, the 22-month initiative supported the Ministry of Health in enhancing the national organ donation and transplantation programme.

The project aimed to improve public health outcomes, strengthen institutional capacities, and advance the alignment of national legislation with EU standards on organ donation, tissues, and cells, including key directives and the upcoming SOHO Regulation.

Key Achievements

• Comprehensive training programme for medical professionals, psychologists, and tissue-bank personnel to strengthen clinical capacity in transplantation.
• Analysis and alignment recommendations for national legislation with EU regulatory frameworks to ensure ethical, transparent, and safe transplantation practices.
• Communication and visibility campaign promoting organ donation as a solidarity-based, life-saving act.
• Public awareness activities including nationwide youth engagement, media collaboration, and the celebration of European Organ Donation Day.
• Production and national premiere of the documentary “Change the End of Someone’s Story” to inspire a positive societal attitude toward donation.
• Development of guidelines for tissue banking and support to upgrade IT systems for donor traceability and safety.

Through targeted awareness-raising, capacity building, and policy support, the project has contributed to:

• Increasing knowledge and skills in transplantation,
• Strengthening professional competencies, and
• Enhancing public trust in the transplantation system, ultimately supporting life-saving organ donation in North Macedonia.

AESA extends its gratitude to the European Union, national institutions, healthcare professionals, civil society, youth networks, and all partners who contributed to this meaningful achievement.