World Bone Marrow and Umbilical Cord Blood Donor Day is a key date to thank and recognize all the people who, altruistically, contribute with their donations to save lives around the world.
In recent years, the creation of public umbilical cord blood banks at an international level has revolutionised the treatment of various diseases. These umbilical cord stem cells, with haemopoietic characteristics similar to those of adult bone marrow, have proven to be an excellent alternative for transplants. Unlike cells obtained from adult bone marrow, umbilical cord stem cells offer important advantages: their extraction does not entail risks or discomfort for the donor, they present a low risk of infection and have a lower rejection rate, making them a safe and effective option.
In our country, cord blood banks are mostly managed by private entities. We only have one public bank, managed through donations from private companies. This fact invites us to reflect on the values that drive bone marrow and cord blood donation: altruism and generosity. These virtues not only allow us to provide treatment options to those suffering from serious illnesses, but also offer real hope of recovery and well-being for thousands of people around the world.
It is essential to highlight the importance of continuing to promote donation, so that more people can benefit from these life-saving therapeutic alternatives.
Ximena Egas Biava
Academic Obstetrics
Andres Bello University
