ASAP is formed by 33 professionals with a common interest in increasing and improving access to diagnostic pathology and laboratory medicine in Africa and other regions of the world that currently lack access to these services. The group is composed of individuals with expertise and interest in histopathology, cytopathology, medical microbiology, infectious disease pathology, information management, public health, advocacy, public health policy, health systems, laboratory management, education, continuing professional development (CPD), and process improvement. Most of the members of this group have worked together over many years. Many of the members are from Africa, and of those based in the European Union, Australia and the United States, most have extensive experience working in Africa.