Last updated: August 26th, 2025

The World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) is committed to safeguarding your privacy and protecting personal data in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable Dutch privacy laws. This statement explains how we handle cookies, collect and process personal data, and protect your rights as an individual.

1. Cookie Statement

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when visiting a website. They help improve your browsing experience, remember your preferences, analyse site usage, and support essential functions.

Types of Cookies We Use

• Strictly Necessary Cookies – Required for website security, accessibility, and core functionality. These cannot be disabled.

• Analytical Cookies – Collect anonymised data on how our website is used, helping us improve performance.

• Functional Cookies – Remember your preferences (e.g., language) for a personalised experience.

• Marketing Cookies – Used only to support WMDA’s awareness campaigns. WMDA does not use cookies for commercial advertising.

Managing Cookie Preferences

On your first visit, you will see a cookie banner where you can accept or reject non-essential cookies. You can update your preferences anytime via your browser settings or the “Cookie Settings” link on our website.

Third-Party Cookies

WMDA may use trusted third-party tools (e.g., Google Analytics). These providers have their own privacy policies. We recommend reviewing them directly.

2. Privacy Statement

What Is Personal Data?

Personal data is any information relating to an identified or identifiable individual (a “data subject”), such as a name, email address, IP address, or other identifiers.

How We Collect Personal Data

We collect personal data only when you choose to provide it—for example, through e-mails, online forms, event registrations, or research participation.

How We Use Personal Data

All data is processed in accordance with GDPR principles:

• Lawfully, fairly, and transparently.

• For legitimate and clearly defined purposes.

• Only data relevant and necessary for those purposes.

• Accurate, up-to-date, and stored securely.

• Retained no longer than necessary.

Legal Basis for Processing

WMDA processes data under the following legal grounds:

• Consent – when you voluntarily provide personal information.

• Legitimate Interest – to support donor safety, scientific research, and registry collaboration.

• Legal Obligation – to comply with regulatory or public health requirements.

• Scientific Research – health-related data may be processed under Article 9(2)(j) GDPR, with safeguards.

Data Retention

• Research data: retained 10 years after study completion.

• General communications: kept until consent is withdrawn.

• Regulatory records: retained as legally required.

• Retention periods are reviewed regularly.

Data Sharing & Transfers

We may share data with trusted Collaboration Partners (registries, transplant centres, researchers, and health authorities) to facilitate patient care and research.

• Partners act as Controllers or Processors under GDPR, with data protection agreements in place.

• If data is transferred outside the EEA, WMDA ensures equivalent safeguards via Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or adequacy decisions.

Data Storage

All personal data is stored in secure databases within the EEA, or in jurisdictions offering equivalent legal protections.

Automated Decision-Making

WMDA does not use automated decision-making or profiling that significantly impacts individuals. Should this change, we will inform affected individuals in advance.

3. Your Rights

Under GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access your personal data.

• Rectify inaccurate information.

• Withdraw consent at any time.

• Request erasure (“right to be forgotten”).

• Restrict or object to processing.

• Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens in the Netherlands).

To exercise any of the rights listed above, contact:

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

4. Links to Other Websites

WMDA’s website may contain links to third-party sites. We do not control these sites and are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review the privacy policies of those websites.