Purpose of review: Stem cell donor registries play an important role in providing stem cell products from unrelated donors to patients with severe blood diseases. In this review, important aspects of donor registry work, current challenges and possible future developments are discussed.

Recent findings: The current growth in global unrelated stem cell donations is in line with the long-term trend, indicating that donor registries have overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. A key challenge for donor registries is the recruitment of donors from disadvantaged populations to create greater equity in access to unrelated stem cell transplantation. In addition, recruiting young donors and increasing the availability of donors who are already registered are important goals. In recent years, numerous studies have looked at the context of these themes and the development of possible solutions.

Summary: The international community of donor registries, together with the World Marrow Donor Association, has helped many patients in need of a stem cell transplant over the past decades and is, therefore, a bright example of international collaboration for a good cause. It is currently addressing a number of challenges to effectively help as many patients as possible from various populations also in the future.