Contacts from AFSÜ for Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation Service in Albania

Prof. Dr. İbrahim Eker, Head of the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the Faculty of Medicine of Afyonkarahisar University of Health Sciences (AFSÜ), visited Tirana within the framework of the Erasmus+ program to hold contacts and give lectures aimed at establishing bone marrow and stem cell transplantation services for children in Albania.

Prof. Dr. İbrahim Eker, Head of the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the Faculty of Medicine of Afyonkarahisar University of Health Sciences (AFSÜ), went to the capital Tirana upon the invitation of Prof. Dr. Donjeta Bali from Tirana University of Medicine within the scope of Erasmus+ KA171 Staff Mobility for Teaching. During the five-day program, Prof. Dr. Eker shared AFSÜ's experience in pediatric bone marrow and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with authorities and gave a total of 21 hours of lectures.

During the visit, Prof. Dr. Eker met with Albanian Minister of Health and Social Protection Klodiana Spahiu, evaluating the clinical and institutional conditions required to initiate transplantation services for children in the country. Infrastructure examinations were conducted at the Mother Teresa University Hospital Center (QSUT), and a decision was made regarding pre-feasibility and cost planning for a four-bed pediatric bone marrow and stem cell transplantation unit. In addition, academic cooperation talks were held with Prof. Dr. Xheladin Draçini, Rector of Tirana University of Medicine.