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