Source: Donor van ons
News

Wanted: donors of non-European origin

Published at: 01/06/2026, 08:00

The Donor van Ons Foundation is looking for donors from non-European backgrounds. Greater diversity among blood, stem cell and organ donors helps hospitals to treat patients from the same background more quickly and effectively.

Why donate?

When it comes to blood,

and organs, it is important that there is a good match between
and patient. People of the same ethnic origin often have a better chance of such a good match. This is because the composition of blood and the
is partly hereditary.

This is important, for example, in the case of

. This condition is more common among people of African or Caribbean descent. Blood from European donors is sometimes less effective for these patients. In stem cell and kidney donation, too, a donor from the same ethnic background is often a better match.

Most donors in the Netherlands are now of European descent. As a result, it is sometimes more difficult for people of Surinamese, Antillean, Turkish, Moroccan or other non-white backgrounds to find a suitable donor. As a result, some patients have to wait longer for treatment or

.

What can you donate, and when?

You can become a donor if you are in good health and choose to donate of your own free will. During your lifetime, you can donate blood, stem cells, a kidney or part of your liver. Doctors will always check first to ensure you are healthy enough to donate. They will also assess whether donating is safe for you and whether your donation is suitable for the patient. During and after the donation, doctors and nurses will keep a close eye on your health.

When it comes to blood and stem cell donations, finding a good match is particularly important. If the donor and patient are not a good match, the body may

. This can sometimes reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

For which conditions can donating help?

Donations can help with the treatment of cancer, blood disorders, kidney failure, anaemia and severe blood loss following an accident or childbirth.

Islam and donating

In Islam, helping others is highly regarded. Saving a human life is considered very important and is sometimes seen as a religious duty.

In discussions about organ donation, a well-known verse from the Qur’an is often quoted: "If anyone saves a life, it is as if he had saved all of humanity" (Qur’an, chapter 5, verse 32).

Want to become a donor or find out more?

Would you like to find out more about donating? Then visit the donor van ons

website.

Would you like to speak to someone about becoming a donor? Or do you have any other questions or comments? Please call or email these organisations:

Is your question about blood? Call Sanquin

088-730 8686 (Mon to Thu 08:00 - 20:00 - Fri until 17:00) 
Is your question about stem cells? Call or email Matchis 071-568 53 00 (on working days from 09:00 to 17:00) 
Is your question about your kidney or part of your liver? Call or email the Dutch Transplant Foundation (NTS) 0900 - 821 21 66 (on working days from 08:30 to 19:00 – no extra charges)


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