Andorra Takes a Historic Step Forward in Organ and Tissue Donation
DTI Foundation has supported Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell in a process that grants Andorran citizens a new right: the effective right to be a donor.
Andorra has reached an important milestone in the development of its healthcare system. For the first time, the country has trained professionals and established clinical protocols that make organ and tissue donation possible within its own borders.
This achievement goes beyond a technical or organizational advancement. It represents a significant step towards guaranteeing that every citizen can exercise the right to decide to become a donor.
Dr. Chloë Ballesté, Medical Director of DTI Foundation, recently participated as a speaker at the symposium “La donació com a part de la nostra vida”, organized by SAAS, the Andorran Health Care Service. The event brought together healthcare professionals, institutional representatives and members of the public to raise awareness about donation and highlight the progress achieved in the country.
A new right for Andorran citizens
Andorra has historically maintained a close relationship with the Catalan transplant system. Andorran citizens and residents who required a transplant were assigned to waiting lists in hospitals in Barcelona, and organs donated in Andorra were primarily allocated to Catalonia, except in cases of local need.
Today, this relationship is complemented by a new reality. Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell now has a trained team of intensivists, doctors and nurses prepared to support families throughout the donation process and to preserve organs and tissues under the appropriate clinical conditions. The clinical protocols have been developed and approved, and the first case has already taken place.
As Dr. Ballesté stated during the symposium: “Conceptually, this is very important because it means you are acquiring a new right, the right to be donors.”
DTI Foundation’s role
DTI Foundation has been working for decades with hospitals, institutions and countries around the world to support the development of sustainable and self-managed donation systems. Its approach is based on adapting knowledge, training and technical expertise to each local context.
In Andorra, DTI Foundation has supported the training of specialists at Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell and provided guidance in the development of the regulatory framework and clinical procedures. This technical and collaborative work is now beginning to show tangible results.
“In Andorra, we have not encountered any obstacles. It is truly a pleasure to work with a small country that is so active and committed,” said Dr. Ballesté.
Donation and healthcare sustainability
Beyond its direct human impact, donation also has an important dimension in terms of healthcare sustainability. A cornea donation can restore sight to a person with visual impairment, while a kidney transplant can allow a patient to stop depending on dialysis.
As Dr. Ballesté recalled: “The annual cost of dialysis is equivalent to the lifetime cost of care for a transplant recipient.” This perspective highlights donation not only as an act of generosity and solidarity, but also as an intelligent and sustainable healthcare investment.
With this progress, Andorra is taking a step that many countries took decades to achieve. The next challenge is cultural: to bring donation into everyday conversations, into families and homes, so that every person can know, discuss and express their wishes.
Read the full article published by Altaveu here.
Foundation welcomes a delegation from the Shanghai Medical Products Administration in Barcelona
On 1 June, DTI Foundation had the pleasure of welcoming a delegation from the Shanghai Medical Products Administration (Shanghai MPA) and related institutions during their visit to Barcelona, facilitated by Grifols.
The visit began at the Parc Científic de Barcelona, where the delegation was welcomed by Maria Terrades, Director of the Parc Científic de Barcelona. During the visit, the delegation had the opportunity to learn more about the facilities and the role of the PCB as a key environment for biomedical research, innovation and international collaboration.
Following the visit to the PCB, the delegation joined a working meeting at DTI Foundation’s offices. The session focused on presenting DTI’s activity in the field of organ and tissue donation and transplantation, with special emphasis on training, international cooperation, research development and DTI’s previous experience and collaboration in China.
The meeting included the participation of Martí Manyalich, Joan Bigorra, Sergi Padilla and Joaquim Albiol. Martí Manyalich, Joan Bigorra and Sergi Padilla presented DTI Foundation’s mission, training programs and international cooperation initiatives. Joaquim Albiol introduced DTI’s Research Development area, while Martí Manyalich also shared DTI’s experience in cooperation with China.
The delegation included representatives from the Shanghai Medical Products Administration, the Shanghai Center for Drug Evaluation and Inspection, and the Shanghai Institute for Drug Control. The exchange provided an opportunity to share knowledge, explore areas of common interest and establish a first line of communication for potential future collaboration.
DTI Foundation would like to thank Esther Fages and the Grifols team for facilitating this visit, as well as the Parc Científic de Barcelona for welcoming the delegation and contributing to this valuable exchange.
At DTI Foundation, we believe that international dialogue and knowledge sharing are essential to strengthening donation and transplantation systems worldwide and to promoting cooperation between institutions committed to health, research and innovation.
谢谢, Shanghai delegation, Grifols and Parc Científic de Barcelona, for this inspiring meeting.
Advancing Global Partnerships to Strengthen Organ Donation and Transplantation Systems in Jamaica
The Donation and Transplantation Institute (DTI Foundation) continues to strengthen its commitment to advancing organ donation and transplantation systems worldwide through international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building initiatives. As part of this ongoing mission, DTI Foundation’s International Cooperation team recently traveled to Jamaica to support the development and strengthening of the country’s donation and transplantation framework through collaborative engagement with local stakeholders and healthcare professionals.
Representing DTI Foundation, Dr. Mauricio Galvão and Maria Barros met with key partners to continue discussions on strategic priorities for the advancement of organ donation and transplantation in Jamaica. The visit focused on fostering collaboration, sharing international best practices, and identifying opportunities for training and professional development that align with the specific needs and healthcare priorities of the country. Through these efforts, DTI Foundation seeks to contribute to sustainable and locally driven improvements that can enhance access to transplantation services and ultimately save more lives.
The delegation also included Dr. Belén Garcès Jimeno, intensive care physician and transplant coordinator at Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and DTI expert. Her participation brought valuable clinical expertise and practical experience in donor coordination and transplantation, enriching discussions with healthcare professionals and decision-makers. The exchange of technical knowledge and real-world experience remains a cornerstone of DTI Foundation’s approach to international cooperation, helping countries adapt successful models to their own healthcare contexts.
During the visit, the team had the opportunity to meet with Mr. José María Fernández López de Turiso, Ambassador of Spain to Jamaica, and Mr. Javier San Román, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Spain. The meeting highlighted the important role that diplomatic and institutional partnerships play in supporting healthcare development initiatives and strengthening international collaboration. Such relationships help create opportunities for long-term cooperation, facilitating dialogue between governments, healthcare institutions, and technical experts working toward common goals.
At DTI Foundation, we believe that strong partnerships, shared expertise, and sustained collaboration are essential to building effective and resilient organ donation and transplantation systems. Through ongoing cooperation projects in countries around the world, we remain committed to supporting healthcare professionals, institutions, and governments in their efforts to improve donation practices, expand transplantation opportunities, and ultimately provide better health outcomes for patients in need.
DTI Foundation participates in the 2026 Annual Conference of the Club of Hospital Directors of Northern Provinces in Vietnam
Today, 22 May 2026, DTI Foundation participates in the 2026 Annual Conference of the Club of Hospital Directors of Northern Provinces, held in Vietnam.
The conference brings together hospital leaders, healthcare professionals and international experts to discuss key topics related to hospital management, digital transformation, medical innovation, transplantation and organ donation.
As part of the scientific programme, Dr. Chloë Ballesté Delpierre, Medical Director of DTI Foundation and Associate Professor at the University of Barcelona, contributes online to Scientific Session 8: Organ Donation & Transplant Coordination.
Her presentation, entitled “Organ donation system development and professional training: international experience and practical approaches to strengthen deceased donation programs,” focuses on the role of structured professional training, system development and international collaboration in strengthening deceased donation programs.
The session addresses different aspects of tissue and organ donation, including advocacy, donor identification, counselling, coordination and international experience. Speakers from Vietnam, China, Singapore and Spain contribute to the discussion, offering diverse perspectives on how to improve donation and transplantation systems.
DTI Foundation’s participation reflects its long-standing commitment to supporting countries and healthcare institutions in the development of sustainable organ donation and transplantation programs. Through training, consultancy and international cooperation, DTI continues to promote knowledge exchange and capacity building among healthcare professionals worldwide.
Participation in this conference represents an opportunity to share practical approaches and lessons learned from international experience, while reinforcing collaboration with professionals and institutions working to improve organ donation and transplantation systems globally.
DTI Foundation Participates in Masterclass on Organ Donation and Transplantation in Casablanca
DTI Foundation participated in the Masterclass held in Casablanca on May 12th and 13th, organized in collaboration with Dr. Mohamed Benghanem, Director of CHU Casablanca Hospital and coordinator of the EMPODaT project. DTI Foundation was represented by Chloë Ballesté Delpierre, Medical Director, and David Paredes, who actively participated in the sessions.
During this event, valuable insights on organ donation and transplantation were shared, with key topics such as hospital organization models and detection of potential donors discussed, which are essential for improving practices in the MENA region.
This type of training continues to be crucial for strengthening health systems in countries like Egypt, Lebanon, and Morocco, and for advancing the improvement of organ donation and transplantation practices at the international level.
4th ODISSeA Graduation: another year of a one of a kind project
The ODISSeA programme closes its fourth edition with Dr. Brian Álvarez as the DTI Foundation's representative in the Philippines, where he has led training activities alongside local universities to strengthen international cooperation in the field of organ donation and transplantation, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to training new and better professionals.
ODISSeA is a postgraduate programme in organ donation driven by the DTI Foundation, launched in January 2020 with the aim of addressing an urgent training need in Southeast Asia. Since its first edition, the programme has brought together hundreds of medical professionals from Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Thailand, establishing itself as a unique project in its field.
With a duration of 9 months, its methodology combines online and in-person training through webinars with international experts, self-learning modules, local seminars and improvement projects applied to specialisation. It also relies on the support of a locally trained faculty, ensuring that the content is adapted to the healthcare reality of each country.
One of the leading countries in this fourth edition is the Philippines, with institutions such as Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) and the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) as key partners on the ground. Dr. Brian Álvarez, a Critical Care specialist, has led the training of a large group of professionals through his expertise and command of the field, celebrating the graduation of this fourth cohort and successfully closing a project that, once again, has delivered results.
Building on these initiatives, Dr. Brian travelled to Manila on 19 April to take part in a series of events held at the University of Santo Tomas. Together with Benita Padilla, he participated in activities organised by the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization (WHO), reinforcing the foundation's international objectives and its ongoing path of growth.
Medical Education Program in Organ Donation and Transplantation for Latin America
Excellence in transplantation systems requires continuous scientific updating, clinical rigor, and international cooperation. The allocation of solid organs from deceased donors is one of the most complex processes in this field, integrating medical criteria, principles of equity, and advanced technological tools.
The Medical Education Program in Organ Donation and Transplantation for Latin America is the result of a strategic alliance between Werfen, Werfen Brazil, and the Donation and Transplantation Institute, DTI Foundation, aimed at strengthening professional capacities in the region and promoting the global dissemination of knowledge in donation and transplantation.
The program consists of five online webinars, each accompanied by an in-person networking event held in different countries across the region, fostering scientific exchange and professional interaction.
First webinar
Allocation of Solid Organs from Deceased Donors: Current Challenges and Technological Advances
📅 March 3, 2026
🕖 20:00 PM (UTC/GMT -3)
Updated schedule, one hour later than previously communicated.
On the occasion of this first webinar, the in-person networking dinner will take place in Rio de Janeiro.
We invite you to join this international initiative and actively contribute to strengthening transplantation systems across Latin America.
The 1st Family Approach Workshop in Oman comes to an end
The 1st Family Approach Workshop held in Oman has concluded with the participation of 29 professionals from six different nationalities: the Philippines, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Oman and India.
The training focused on key competencies related to the organ donation process, including family communication, breaking bad news and data gathering. The international and multidisciplinary nature of the group fostered a rich learning environment based on the exchange of experiences and best practices.
This initiative reflects DTI Foundation’s commitment to strengthening professional capacities and continuously improving organ donation systems.
The training activities continue with the launch of the 3rd edition of the National TPM Course, further advancing capacity building efforts in Oman.
Visit of the Ghana Health Sector Delegation to the Parc Científic de Barcelona
Yesterday, we had the honor of hosting a delegation from the health sector of Ghana at the Parc Científic de Barcelona (PCB), in a meeting organized with the coordination of Acció - Generalitat de Catalunya. This meeting was a valuable opportunity to share knowledge and experiences on organ donation and transplantation, with the shared goal of improving donation systems to save more lives. We highlighted the importance of creating a clear and robust legal framework to support these processes at the national level, ensuring their safety and effectiveness.
The meeting was truly inspiring and productive, as we agreed to continue moving forward together in improving donation and transplantation processes, sharing knowledge and resources to create a more promising future in global health. With the collaboration of all stakeholders involved, we are confident that we can create a more efficient and accessible system that will save more lives and generate a positive global impact.
Contributing to Global Progress in Donation: DTI Foundation’s Participation in the International Workshop on LMICs
DTI Foundation was honored to contribute to this global initiative through the participation of Dr. Chloë Ballesté,
who took part in the technical discussions and collaborated as a co-author of the resulting article published in Transplantation.
Her involvement reflects our institution’s commitment to advancing knowledge, strengthening professional capacity, and supporting the development of donation systems in countries that need it most.
Being part of international efforts such as this reinforces our mission: to share, accompany, and build—together with global partners—a future where donation and transplantation are accessible, safe, and sustainable.
Read here: deceased_organ_donation_and_transplantation_in.1223
