GAP was formed in 2001 by a group of experts from National Society blood services and in 2012 the organisation was officially established as an independent association registered under Swiss law with its own statutes and terms of reference.
Under the leadership of its dedicated Executive Board and supported by its membership, GAP provides advice to Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies and their affiliated blood services, in matters concerning corporate governance and risk management in the field of National Society blood programs.
The GAP Association members are National Society experts in blood programs from around the globe. In addition, GAP Regional Coordinators assist and coordinate GAP activities at a regional level, and identify opportunities for regional assistance and collaboration.
To view the GAP organigram click here.
GAP provides its support role to all National Societies involved in their national blood program. In addition, National Society blood services can become a member of the GAP organisation.
GAP delivers its work program in cooperation with IFRC (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies) Health and has an IFRC observer on its Board.
In 2011, GAP's role and purpose to provide expertise and advice to National Society blood service was re-affirmed with the release of the IFRC's blood policy 'Promoting Safe and Sustainable Blood Systems' which outlines the specific responsibilities of IFRC, GAP, National Societies and blood services in managing blood program risk.
GAP is also recognised as an International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Reference Centre due to the support function that GAP provides to Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies in regard to involvement in provision of a blood program.