Post-Disaster Support

In terms of disaster response, the existence of a quality blood service is critical to meet the high healthcare demand for blood during the initial emergency phase. While the availability of blood may be a concern in the event of a disaster, ensuring the safety of the blood supply is also of paramount concern.

GAP has a specialist post-disaster role outlined in its terms of reference for the provision of "coordination of assistance to National Red Cross or Red Crescent blood services in post emergency situations" and to "assist them in the rebuilding of their blood programme". This support includes immediate and short-term assistance as well as long term recovery effort and rebuilding support once the urgency of the immediate response has passed.

The recent experience of the devastating earthquake in Nepal demonstrated the active role that GAP has in this area, assisting the National Society to restore a functional and safe blood supply as soon as possible following the disaster and importantly in coordinating the long-term rebuilding and recovery of the blood programme once the initial urgency had passed, in conjunction with the support of Partner National Societies.

GAP Nepal Earthquake Blood Program Recovery

On 25th April 2015 a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal with the epicentre being 77km North West of the capital, Kathmandu. A total of 57 districts out of Nepal’s 75 were affected.  The earthquake in Nepal resulted in significant damage to Nepal Red Cross Society Blood Service buildings and facilities, both in Kathmandu and regional areas.  

With the support of Partner National Societies, the GAP coordinated project provided assistance to the Nepal Red Cross Society Blood Service with:

• Blood centre facility rebuild/repair
• Capacity building
• Technical training
• Strategic support
• Critical blood service equipment
• Local coordination support and technical assistance

The development and implementation of GAP's recovery program for the Nepal Red Cross Society blood service has enabled GAP to maximise potential partner funding and support for this project and has provided transparency of multiple partner programs to minimise the risks of duplication of activities and investments.