Ensure that the rights and safety of stem cell donors are promoted and protected.

 Overview of leadership of the pillar can be found here.

 
  • Lessons learnt from adverse events and reactions (SPEARs) inform donor care standards and practices and are reflected in the WMDA Standards.

  • A rapid alert system for disseminating information on serious adverse events and reactions to all members of the international community in contact with allogeneic donors and patients.

  • Globally harmonised medical assessment criteria simultaneously protect the interest of donors whilst ensuring the safety of cellular products across international boundaries.
  • International resource on all medical and ethical issues pertaining to stem cell donation, donor safety, donor outcome and the impact of donor factors on patient outcome.
  • Donor protection and safety standards are aligned with developments in novel cellular therapies. 
  • The experiences and needs of donors are understood, communicated and reflected in donor care standards.
  • WMDA is recognised as a global advocate for donor care.
  • WMDA members adopt standards, protocols and procedures that safeguard the rights and safety of donors.
  • National and international authorities support stem cell donation and recognise donor care standards.  
  • Update and promote donor care standards that reflect evidence, best practice and ethical considerations.
    Example: develop and maintain guidelines in relation to donor consent/counselling
  • Collect, analyse and report data relating to adverse events and reactions and share insight with members and regulatory authorities. 
    Example: develop and maintain the SPEAR reporting tool for both related and unrelated adverse events and reactions
  • Improve, maintain and promote WMDA’s Donor Medical Suitability Wiki. 
    Example: respond to emerging infectious diseases outbreaks (e.g. Zika); expand Wiki to include the screening of cord blood donors.
  • Help WMDA members to inform and influence national and international authorities and other stakeholders (e.g. WBMT, EBMT), so that voluntary stem cell donation and donor care is supported.
  • Explore the role of WMDA in novel therapies and the future role of volunteer donors.
    Example: develop ethical principles and guidelines and tools for registries and partners involved in cellular therapy.