Universiti Malaya has jointly organised a professional certificate in organ donation and transplant medicine with Universiti Teknologi Mara, National Transplant Resource Centre and Ministry of Health Malaysia. This regional programme stems from ODISSeA (Organ Donation Innovative Strategies for Southeast Asia), an Erasmus+ project by University of Barcelona and Donation and Transplantation Institute in Spain. The project is co-funded by the European Commission under the program “Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education”. This programme would simultaneously be carried out in 8 universities from Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines and Thailand together with the University of Bologna, Italy, and University of Zagreb Medical University, Croatia. About 300 health professionals will be trained in clinical approach, management and dissemination strategies in organ donation using blended learning strategies (ie. online modules, face to face local and international seminars, awareness event and on the job project) that transfer knowledge between education and workplace settings.
Organ donation is a noble practice which offers patients with terminal organ failure a life-saving treatment and the ability to live a better quality of life. In Malaysia, there are currently more than 20,000 patients who need transplants. The number is increasing from year to year and exceeds the supply from organ donation. Report by International Registry of Organ Donation and Transplantation (IRODAT) in 2016 shows Malaysia as the country with the lowest deceased organ donation activity, compared to 67 other countries. Similar to Malaysia, other countries in Southeast Asia are also experiencing growing demand for organ transplantation and stagnant organ donation rate. This programme comes from the need for a specialised education to train and empower key donation person by building adequate knowledge, skills and attitude in organ donation.
Universiti Malaya is always keen to participate in strategic collaborations that involve intellectual exchange, help in building professional skills and benefit the community. We hope that through the joint effort of key players, this programme will establish a network of highly qualified professionals, support the formation of a sustainable and efficient organ donation system and consequently enhance the donation activity in the country.
ODISSeA website: https://odisseaproject.eu/
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