Sidra Medicine, part of Qatar Foundation, has launched Qatar’s first local cord blood bank, marking a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare landscape. This state-of-the-art facility offers families in Qatar the opportunity to store their newborns’ umbilical cord blood, which is rich in hematopoietic stem cells. These cells are pivotal in treating various medical conditions, such as certain cancers, blood disorders, and immune diseases.

The service, now operational, adheres to international standards and ensures optimal quality through cryogenic freezing, allowing samples to be stored for over 30 years. The initiative not only eliminates the need for overseas shipping of samples but also guarantees immediate access when required. Sidra Medicine has also partnered with CellSave Arabia, a leader in stem cell banking, to expand the service across Qatar, making advanced stem cell storage more accessible to all families.