A delegation led by the Ambassador of Turkey to Ethiopia, Berk Baran, has presented an initial project plan to establish an organ transplant center at St. Paul's Hospital in Ethiopia.
The project is said to be implemented with the support of the Turkish Transplant Foundation, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), and the International Transplant Network. It is expected to help expand the provision of cell, tissue, and organ transplantation services in Ethiopia.
During the discussion, the Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, recalled that the recently approved health proclamation by the House of Peoples' Representatives includes organ transplantation. She stated that there is still an unmet need for organ transplantation services in the country.
She added that a draft guideline for the provision of cell, tissue, and organ transplantation services has been prepared to expand the service.
Dr. Ashenafi Tazebe, Director General of the Blood and Tissue Bank, stated that the project plan presented by the delegation will enhance the tissue and organ transplantation services currently being provided in the country.
He also stated that the proposed project plan should be aligned with the Blood and Tissue Bank's plan.
The project includes establishing a national organ transplant coordination center, establishing an organ transplant center at St. Paul's Hospital, establishing an organ transplant simulation training center, and providing training for professionals.
The proposed project idea to establish an organ transplant center in Ethiopia is deeply necessary and aims to address the unmet need for organ transplantation services in the country.
Information obtained from the Ministry indicates that the Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, discussed the project's funding sources with the Ambassador of Turkey to Ethiopia, Berk Baran, as well as ways to further strengthen the health sector relations between the two countries.