World Marrow Donor Association

World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating stem cell transplants by promoting the exchange of high-quality bone marrow, peripheral blood stem cells, and cord blood units across the globe. The WMDA works to ensure that patients worldwide have access to a suitable donor for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), a life-saving treatment for various blood disorders, cancers, and immune system diseases.

History

The World Marrow Donor Association was established in 1988 in response to the growing need for a coordinated global effort to match donors and patients for HSCT. Since its inception, the WMDA has played a crucial role in standardizing procedures, improving quality and safety standards, and increasing the availability and diversity of donors in the global registry.

Mission

The mission of the WMDA is to expand the global donor pool and enhance the quality and safety of stem cell donor registries and cord blood banks worldwide. This is achieved through collaboration, education, and innovation among its member organizations.

Activities

The WMDA undertakes a variety of activities to fulfill its mission, including:

• Registry Assistance: Providing support and guidance to stem cell donor registries and cord blood banks to ensure they meet international standards.
• Education and Training: Offering educational programs and resources to healthcare professionals and registry staff to improve the outcomes of HSCT.
• Quality Assurance: Developing and enforcing quality standards for the collection, processing, and distribution of stem cells.
• Research and Development: Facilitating research to improve donor matching processes and transplantation outcomes.
• Advocacy: Working with governments, healthcare institutions, and other stakeholders to promote policies that support stem cell donation and transplantation.

Membership

The WMDA's membership includes more than 100 stem cell donor registries and cord blood banks from over 50 countries. These members work together to create a global network that can efficiently match donors with patients in need.

Impact

Through its efforts, the WMDA has significantly increased the number of registered stem cell donors and cord blood units available for transplantation. This has improved the chances of finding a match for patients worldwide, regardless of their ethnic or racial background.

Challenges

Despite its successes, the WMDA faces ongoing challenges, such as increasing the diversity of the donor pool, ensuring the sustainability of donor registries, and adapting to advances in transplantation medicine and technology.

See Also

• Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
• Bone marrow
• Cord blood
• Stem cell donor registry