Greece Sets New Milestones in Life-Saving Organ Donations

In Greece, the act of giving life is taking on a new, powerful meaning. Ahead of the European Organ, Tissue, and Cell Donation Day on October 11, 2025, the country is celebrating a historic milestone.

By early October, 111 deceased donors had already enabled 240 transplants—surpassing last year’s record and marking the highest number of organ donations in the nation’s history.

These numbers are far more than statistics. Each donor represents families facing profound grief, yet choosing to transform their loss into hope for others. In hospitals across Greece, intensive care and transplant units work tirelessly, guided by the Hellenic Transplant Organization (HTO), to ensure that every donation translates into the precious continuation of life.

Spreading awareness across the country

Greece’s achievement is matched by its efforts to engage the public. This year, the Ministry of Health launched a nationwide campaign using the Health app (IDIKA), sending messages about organ and tissue donation to 1.5 million citizens.

Registration in the National Donor Registry is made simple, and in the coming days, the message will reach every citizen. It is the largest awareness campaign of its kind in Greek history, reflecting a society increasingly committed to generosity and human solidarity.

A Celebration of hope and solidarity

Hosting the European Organ, Tissue, and Cell Donation Day in Kalamata is a point of pride for Greece. The theme, “Organ Donation: More Life,” is not just a slogan—it embodies the transformation happening across the nation. Landmarks such as the White Tower of Thessaloniki, the Rio-Antirrio Bridge, and the Hellenic Parliament will be illuminated in green, symbolizing hope and the life-saving impact of donation.

Professor Georgios Papatheodoridis, president of the HTO, emphasizes the cultural shift: “Organ donation in Greece is no longer exceptional—it is becoming part of daily life. Families trust the system to turn tragedy into life, and hospitals embrace this mission with unwavering dedication. We are witnessing a society that grows stronger, more compassionate, and more human-centered.”

Transforming lives, inspiring Europe

Beyond the numbers, every transplant tells a story. Patients who once faced bleak futures are given a second chance. Families who choose to donate their loved ones’ organs offer an enduring gift to strangers, creating bonds that transcend borders.

Greece’s leadership in organ donation offers a message for all of Europe: that societal progress, solidarity, and hope can be realized through shared acts of generosity. This year, the country not only celebrates life—it inspires a continent to believe in the extraordinary power of giving.