Cookie Statement

Introduction

WMDA values your privacy and is committed to transparency regarding the use of cookies on our websites. This Cookie Statement outlines what cookies are, how we use them, and how you can manage your preferences.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when visiting a website. They are used to enhance your browsing experience, remember your preferences, analyse website usage, and support certain functionalities.

Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: These are necessary for the basic operation of the website and cannot be disabled. They support core functions such as security, accessibility, and session management.
• Analytical Cookies: These cookies help us collect anonymised data about how users interact with the website, which we use to improve performance and usability.
• Functional Cookies: These cookies remember your preferences (e.g., language settings) and help provide a more personalised experience.
• Marketing Cookies: These cookies track browsing behaviour to support awareness campaigns related to our mission. WMDA does not use cookies for commercial advertising purposes.

Managing Your Cookie Preferences

Upon your first visit to our website, you will be presented with a cookie banner allowing you to accept or reject non-essential cookies. You can change your preferences at any time via your browser settings or through the cookie settings link provided on our website.

Third-Party Cookies

Our website may use third-party services such as Google Analytics. These third parties have their own privacy policies. We recommend reviewing them for more information on how they handle data.

Providing links to other websites

Our website may contain links to other websites of interest. However, once you have used these links to leave our site, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.

 

Privacy Statement

Introduction

The World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) is committed to protecting your personal data in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable Dutch privacy laws. Any personal data that a user may decide to provide us will be used to support the relationship between the WMDA and this user.

What is personal data?

Personal data is any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (‘data subject’); an identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.

How is personal data obtained? 

WMDA collects personal data only if you voluntarily submit it by completing the on-line forms. When you choose to submit personally identifiable information to WMDA, the latter will use your information only for the purposes for which you have consented. The purpose for processing the personal data is detailed in the on-line form or application form.

How is personal data processed? 

The WMDA ensures that all personal data under its responsibility is processed according to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR 2016/679)

• Processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner in relation to the data subject;
• Collected for legitimate purposes;
• Processed adequately, relevantly and not excessively in relation to the purposes for which they are collected and/or further processed;
• Accurate and up to date;
• Kept in a form which permits identification of data subjects for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which the personal data are processed.
• Processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security of the personal data through technical and organisation measures.

Legal Basis for Processing Personal Data

WMDA processes personal data based on the following legal grounds, as specified by the GDPR:

• Consent (Article 6(1)(a)): When users voluntarily provide personal data through online forms or other means.
• Legitimate Interests (Article 6(1)(f)): To support scientific research and the development of improved transplant and therapy procedures.
• Legal Obligations (Article 6(1)(c)): To comply with regulatory requirements, such as obligations to national health authorities.

For sensitive personal data, such as health-related data, processing is performed under GDPR Article 9(2)(j) for scientific research purposes, and appropriate safeguards are in place.

Data Retention

Personal data will be retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Specifically:

• Research-related data will be retained for 10 years after the study concludes, in accordance with scientific standards.
• Personal data provided for general communications will be retained until consent is withdrawn.
• Records related to regulatory obligations will be stored for the period required by applicable laws.

Retention periods are reviewed periodically to ensure compliance with GDPR requirements.

Personal Data Transfers 

WMDA will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so. WMDA works with “Collaboration Partners,” including national donor registries, transplant centres, national health authorities, researchers to support clinical research and to facilitate transplants.

Collaboration Partners may act as:

• Controllers: Responsible for the data processing.
• Processors: Acting under WMDA’s instructions and safeguards.

All data transfers are subject to data protection agreements, ensuring compliance with GDPR. If data is transferred outside the EEA, WMDA strives for equivalent protection through Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or adequacy decisions.

Where is the Personal Data Stored?

Personal data is stored in an electronic database property of WMDA which will be allocated in the EEA (European Economic Area) or in countries that are provided with the same level of protection for privacy.

Automated Decision-Making

WMDA does not use automated decision-making or profiling processes that significantly impact individuals. Should such processes be introduced, individuals will be informed about the logic involved, as well as the significance and potential consequences of these decisions, in accordance with GDPR Article 22.

What are my rights as the Data Subject? 

• Right to access information.
• Right to rectification.
• Right to withdraw consent.
• Right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”).
• Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.

How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of the rights listed above, contact: dpo@wmda.info

World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA)
Schipholweg 57, 1st floor, unit 17-19
2316 ZL Leiden,
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 88 505 7900
Email: mail@wmda.info