Read the most important updates from the WMDA office and notifications to support global collaboration. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WMDA strongly condemns the violence that is occurring in Ukraine, Israel and Gaza. We offer our sympathies to all those who are suffering because of these conflicts. We extend our support to the donor registries and medical centers whose donors and patients are negatively affected by these crises. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Misinformation in New York Times article about Cord Blood Banking (parentsguidecordblood.org) On 15 July the NYT ran an article on malpractice in public cord blood banks in the United States. The article raised concerns in our community, because it's very negative and one-sided; not taking into account the value and importance of public cord blood units as a viable source for transplantation. Frances verter, PhD, has now published a rebuttel rebuttal online (click on the title above to access) that has been shared by the Cord Blood Association (CBA). The CBA has also sent a letter to the editors of the NYT: read here. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information for Human Cell, Tissue, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Product (HCT/P) - Establishments Regarding FDA's Determination that Zika Virus is no Longer a Relevant Communicable Disease Agent or Disease On the morning of May 21, 2024, the FDA announced that Zika Virus is no longer a relevant communicable disease agent or disease for HCT/Ps. As such, screening for risk of Zika Virus will no longer be required for cord blood donors, cord blood banking, or for manufacturing of cellular therapies derived from cord blood or birthing tissues. Travel to areas of the world where Zika Virus previously occurred will no longer be an exclusion for cord blood banking or for cord blood licensure. The change went into effect yesterday, May 20, 2024. Find here more information, click here. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 
