Let's start with a necessary premise. What is the situation in Switzerland regarding organ donation?
"We need to take a step back. On 15 May 2022, the electorate decided to introduce the presumed consent model in Switzerland: anyone who does not want to donate their organs after death will have to declare this. However, this model will not be introduced before 2026. In any case, it is worth keeping in mind some specific aspects of the new legislation from now on: in future, anyone aged 16 and over will be considered an organ donor. Anyone who does not want to donate organs should declare this, preferably in the new federal register (the old one was hacked and subsequently suspended). Access is planned via a state electronic identity, which is currently being examined by Parliament. As soon as the electronic identity is available, the register can be put into operation. In the absence of any indications in this regard, family members will still be able to refuse organ removal. If family members cannot be found, organ removal is prohibited. So we are faced with an evolving situation which, in short, makes it more necessary than ever for people to address the issue and clearly express their wishes."
Even in Switzerland, as in the rest of the world, there is an imbalance between the number of patients waiting for transplants and the number of donors…
«Absolutely. Last year, 200 people donated their organs after death: a number never reached before. The number of recipients also reached a record: 675 people received an organ, which in most cases saved their lives. Among them, 110 people received a donation from living people. Despite the increase in the number of donations, the waiting list is still long, with 1391 people waiting for an organ at the end of 2023.
So with the presumed consent model, will everyone be generally considered a donor in the future?
"Anyone who does not want to donate their organs and tissue after death will have to declare this. Very often the wishes of a deceased person are not known. In this delicate situation, relatives must deduce their presumed wishes and make a decision on their behalf, which can be difficult. With the campaign "Don't put it off, take care of organ donation now." the FOPH and Swisstransplant want to encourage people to make a decision and to document their wishes, for example in an organ donor card, in a patient decree or in the electronic patient record."
Let’s talk about your Olivina Foundation. What is its specific purpose?
« Our Association is committed to promoting the culture of organ donation through sporting events, information campaigns and collaborations with healthcare institutions. We believe that golf, a sport with great tradition and values, can be an extraordinary vehicle to spread our message, reaching a wide audience and helping to save lives.
Olivina is in fact composed of two sections, an OL SOCIAL and an OL SPORT. The first is focused on organ donation and, for example, its project “Respiro per l'anima Golf Cup” aims to raise awareness among a specific niche of people, with the aim of broadening the discussion on organ donation to families and in their own social and professional context, the second with the belief that sports practice for a transplant recipient is a powerful tool to promote complete reintegration into an active life full of interests.
In this perspective, we are happy to participate in awareness events, or any type of meeting, committee or assembly that wants to host us to present and raise awareness among participants on the topic of organ donation. Website: www.olivina.ch ».
And what about the OL SPORT section?
"With our next event, we want to involve athletes of all levels and spread our mission by organizing the First World Golf Tournament for Transplant Recipients, Donors and Family Members and/or Friends of Transplant Recipients — the TRANSPLANT GOLF WORLD OPEN – Lugano 2025 — to be held from 12 to 17 October 2025 at the Golf Club Lugano. Our goal is to involve the entire population through a global event. We expect 120 players from all over the world to participate, accompanied by friends and family, for a week dedicated to sport, sharing and solidarity."
