Transplant recipients, physicians pay tribute to organ donors at national conference in Chisinau

Donors, transplant recipients, physicians, transplant coordinators and international experts today participated in a national conference dedicated to the European Day for Organ, Tissue, and Cell Donation. The event took place at the Timofei Mosneaga Republican Clinical Hospital and was organized by the Moldovan Health Ministry, the Transplant Agency, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy (USMF).

At the opening of the conference, Health Minister Ala Nemerenco highlighted the depth of the gesture of donation, calling it "the most profound form of human solidarity."

"Organ donation may be the most profound form of altruism and solidarity. For some patients, the miracle they need to live means an organ or tissue generously donated. Transplantation is not just a complex medical act, but a bridge between people, a testament that beyond pain we can offer hope," said Nemerenco.

USMF Rector Emil Ceban emphasized the complexity of the field and the importance of collaboration between different areas.

"The subject of organ and tissue donation and transplantation is quite complex, requiring concerted efforts between science, ethics, legislation, religion and civic consciousness. This chain of life is possible thanks to donors – the silent heroes – and their families, who choose, in the most difficult moments, to give others the hope of a new life. Each saved life is a victory for humanity," said Ceban.

Grigore Romanciuc, Director of the Transplant Agency, underlined the importance of public recognition of these lifesaving gestures.

"We pay homage to those donors and their families for the gift given – the possibility of life. Each decision to donate means a chance for someone to live."

The conference also included emotional testimonies from transplant recipients who spoke about their lives after lifesaving interventions.

Valentina Sucitu, the first woman in Moldova to benefit from a liver transplant from a brain-dead donor, noted that she was now alive thanks to specialists.

"It was a tough journey, but thanks to the specialists with golden hands, I am now living. Every year I have two birthdays, but March 8, 2014, is the most important to me. Moldova is making great strides in having doctors much better than abroad, with extraordinary attitudes and impeccable professionalism."

Iulia Iațco, President of the Transplant Beneficiaries Association, shared her own experience.

"I had a liver transplant in 2021, during the pandemic. I returned to my normal life quite quickly, to sports, and to my scientific research activity. I was present at the European Sports Games for transplant recipients, where I won a bronze medal in swimming. Life goes on, and for this, I thank the doctors once again."

Viorica Gojan, who benefited from a kidney transplant from her father, confessed that her life after the transplant had gained color.

"Knowing that you no longer need dialysis is the greatest happiness. I thank again my father and the entire medical team."

Additionally, Elena Chicuș, a cornea transplant recipient, delivered a simple but grateful message.

"Thank you very much for allowing me to regain my sight, to all the doctors and medical staff. Today I can see!"

According to the Health Ministry, Moldova recorded ten major transplant interventions in 2025: seven hepatic and three renal.

The conference concluded with the March for Life, held from the Timofei Mosneaga Republican Hospital to the monument dedicated to donors, in gratitude to those who have given others a new chance at life.