Public health, innovation, intellectual property and trade

Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology (GATE)

WHO estimates that more than one billion people (mostly older people and people with disabilities) are in need of one or more assistive products. With populations ageing and the rise in noncommunicable diseases, this number is expected to increase to beyond two billion by 2050. Currently, only one in ten people in need have access. To address the substantial gap between the need for and provision of assistive technology, WHO established the Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology (GATE).

Improving access to assistive technology for everyone, everywhere.

fact buffet

Access

1 in 10has access to assistive technology

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Low-Middle Income Countries

3%of the population in need has access to hearing aids

Infographic

Need

2 billionpeople will need assistive technology by 2050

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News and events

GATE has published a Global priority research agenda for improving access to high-quality affordable assistive technology. It invites researchers, states, donor agencies, user groups, civil societies and other stakeholders to initiate or support research activities that contribute to closing the gap between global assistive technology need and unmet need. The research agenda has been developed through a global consultation and consensus process, and it identifies five global priority research thematic areas.

As an action emanating from the Global priority research agenda to further the aims of GATE, we are pleased to announce the Global Research, Innovation, and Education in Assistive Technology (GREAT) Summit. The GREAT Summit will be held on the 3rd - 4th August 2017 at WHO headquarters in Geneva. The Summit will bring together 150 top global researchers, innovators and educators who are carrying out research or offering training programmes related to assistive technology policy, products, personnel, provision and use. More information will follow.

The Governments of Ecuador, Pakistan, Germany, Ireland, China, Republic of Korea, United States of America, and Zimbabwe hosted a side event Assistive Technology for All during the 69th World Health Assembly. During the side event, along with other distinguished delegates, H.E. Saira Afzal Tarar and H.E. Margarita Guevara, Health Ministers from Pakistan and Ecuador respectively, launched the WHO Priority Assistive Products List, which is the first step of WHO’s GATE initiative towards improving global access to assistive products for everyone, everywhere.

Overview of GATE

GATE’s Vision

A world where everyone in need has access to high quality, affordable assistive products to lead a healthy, productive and dignified life.

GATE’s Mission

To assist Member States to improve access to assistive technology as a part of universal health coverage.

Current Projects

Wheelchair Service Training of Trainers Package

Related links

GATE Publications

Related Topics

Contact Us

Assistive Technology
Essential Medicines and Health Products
World Health Organization