Accelerating access to assistive technology

WHO is taking measures to address the global disparity in access to assistive technology, developing normative guidance and providing technical support to Member States to support them in implementing the 2018 World Health Assembly Resolution on Improving Access to Assistive Technology (WHA71.8). WHO uses the WHO-GATE 5P framework as a strategy for strengthening access to assistive technology in any context. This strategy places people at the centre and focuses equal attention on policy, products, provision and personnel as interconnected elements that must be aligned to ensure equitable access. Following are some of the interventions prioritised at the regional level for increasing access to Assistive Technology:

Rapid Assistive Technology Assessment

• Member states of SE Asia Region have undertaken WHO rapid assistive technology assessment (rATA) to measure need, unmet need, and barriers to access Assistive Technology. WHO intends to support the member states in developing the AT strategy based on the findings of these assessment and in line with the recommendations of the GReAT report.
• National Assistive Priority Product List: Member states of the region have developed Assistive Priority Products Lists. WHO supports in developing & updating the list and support in that the products are made available in the community through various public health interventions.
• Creating awareness and reducing demand supply gap: In order to make relevant stakeholders (beneficiaries, caregivers, medical and rehab professionals, etc.) more familiar with AT products, setting up of AT demonstration centres for experiential learning is being undertaken in select centres of the region. This is being followed up by building initial awareness of the products through experiential learning and trainings.
• Workforce Strengthening:  In order to build capacity of the health workforce on AT and  prepare primary health and other personnel with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide simple assistive products and to refer to other services, WHO’s online Training in Assistive Products (TAP) is being launched in select countries of the region. WHO intends to further support these centres, making it a fully equipped and competent training hub.