What the Blue Cross is

• The Blue Cross is a health development organisation of professionals and volunteers.
   
• There are national Blue Cross organisations in 41 countries – each with a national board and local organisations.
   
• These organisations are independent, non-denominational Christian organisations.
   
• The International Blue Cross is the umbrella body for the national and local Blue Cross organisations – called member organisations.

What makes the Blue Cross different 

• The Blue Cross approach is integrated and holistic. It incorporates the physical, psychological and social aspects of a person’s life, as well as its spiritual dimensions, into all its care and therapy.
   
• Blue Cross professionals and volunteers are guided by their professional ethics as well as by Christian values of respect, dignity, solidarity, and inclusiveness.

• Blue Cross presence and assistance is non-discriminatory.
   
• Blue Cross professionals and volunteers are deeply connected with local communities with whom they work.
   
• Blue Cross projects are committed to apply shared standards of professional practice in prevention and care, leadership and governance.

Where does the Blue Cross come from?

• 1877 – The Blue Cross is founded in Geneva, Switzerland, by Pastor Louis-Lucien ROCHAT. 
   
• Blue Cross organisations emerge in Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands soon after 1877.
   
• 1886 – The “International Federation of the Blue Cross” is established in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.
   
• 1906 – The first Blue Cross organisation outside Europe is founded in Ghana, Africa.
   
• More recently Blue Cross organisations have been founded in numerous other African, Latin American, and Asian countries.