GCBS Structure
The Global Collaboration for Blood Safety is made up of participants, co-opted experts, observers and liaisons to ensure an effective and efficient forum. Ideally, an appropriate regional representation particularly from developing countries, is ensured. To promote the achievement of such appropriate regional representation, part of the criteria for participation may be waived by the General Meeting, where deemed necessary or advisable to achieve the GCBS mandate and objectives. The main body (plenary) of the GCBS meets once a year (general meetings) to discuss various issues. WHO provides the Secretariat for the GCBS.
Full participation in GCBS is open to:
- Intergovernmental organizations and international nongovernmental organizations with active involvement in the safety of blood products and transfusion practices, which preferably extends to more than one WHO region;
- Governmental institutions and agencies involved in the safety of blood products and transfusion safety;
- International industry associations/umbrella organizations representing manufacturers of plasma derivatives, diagnostic reagents, devices or other products or services relevant to blood safety and safe transfusion practices;
- WHO Collaborating Centres active in the field of the safety of blood products and transfusion practices.
Co-opted experts
The General Meeting may invite individual experts, with outstanding experience and who are active internationally in the safety of blood products and transfusion practices, to participate in certain meetings of the GCBS (including Working Group Meetings), for the purpose of sharing information and/or advising the GCBS on matters within the sphere of their competence. Co-opted experts are not considered as participants and do not have a role in the GBCS decision making process.
Observers
The General Meeting may invite organizations and individual experts who do not meet the criteria for participation, but are involved in activities which are relevant to all or part of the mandate and objectives of the GCBS, to attend all or certain designated meetings of the GCBS, as observers.
Observers do not participate in the discussions and deliberations of the GCBS or have a role in the GCBS decision making process. Upon invitation of the GCBS Chairperson, observers may, however, make a statement to present their views or position on the issue under consideration.
Liaisons
Organizations that meet the criteria for participation in GCBS, but that do not wish to become involved as full participants, may − at their request − attend all the meetings of the GCBS as liaison. Liaisons may participate in the discussions and deliberations of the GCBS, but will not have a role in the GCBS decision making process.