How does umbilical cord blood protect a child's health? Umbilical cord blood stem cells have been proven to aid children by replacing damaged blood cells with healthy ones, thus enhancing their immune system. Currently, umbilical cord blood can successfully treat up to 113 major diseases, such as cancers, immune-related disorders, and metabolic disorders. Furthermore, clinical trials are underway for over 30 diseases, including genetic or metabolic disorders, neurological diseases, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, HIV, and liver failure.