Join a Global Community of Life-Saving Donors
Every year, thousands of people with life-threatening blood cancers and genetic disorders need a stem cell, bone marrow, or cord blood transplant to survive. But finding a matching donor isn’t easy—especially for patients from mixed-race or ethnic minority backgrounds, where matches are much harder to find. Becoming a donor is simple and life-changing. By signing up, you could be the perfect match for someone in need. Check your eligibility and find your local donor organisation below.
By donating your stem cells, you give someone a second chance at life. Even though millions of donors are already registered, many patients still can’t find a match, especially those from diverse backgrounds. Your decision to register could save a life. Not every country has a donor organisation yet. If yours isn’t listed, it means there’s currently no local program—but WMDA is working to change that. Learn more about our efforts here.
Who Can Donate?
- Most registries accept donors between 18-60 years old
- Health and weight criteria apply for safety
- Some requirements vary by country
- WMDA sets global donation standards, but rules may be different in each country. Use the tool below to see if you can register where you live.
Donor form
There are three ways to donate:
Bone Marrow Collection
- A short medical procedure where doctors collect stem cells from your pelvis under anesthesia.
- It’s very safe, with risks similar to those of general anesthesia.
- Most donors recover in a few days, with minor side effects like fatigue or bruising.
Peripheral Blood Stem Cells Collection
- A safe, common method where you get daily injections for a few days to increase stem cells.
- The cells are collected from your blood—similar to donating plasma.
- Side effects are usually mild (like flu-like symptoms) and go away quickly.
- Serious complications are very rare (less than 1% of cases).
Umbilical Cord Blood Collection
- After a baby is born, the placenta and umbilical cord still contain valuable stem cells.
- This cord blood can be collected, frozen, and stored for future transplants.
- Collection is completely safe and painless for both the mother and baby.
- Parents can choose to donate their baby’s cord blood to a public bank to help patients in need.
There are no known long-term health risks from donating. If you have questions, talk to a doctor. Start Your Life-Saving Journey Today! You have the power to change someone’s future.