Background
The 71st World Health Assembly resolution WHA71.8 calls upon WHO to prepare a global report on effective access to assistive technology (GReAT) in the context of an integrated approach, based on the best available scientific evidence and international experience. The report aims to:
- Showcase the current status in terms of access to assistive technology (AT) with a comprehensive dataset, description and analysis;
- Draw attention to governments and civil society about the need for and benefit of AT, especially the return on investment;
- Make recommendations for concrete actions that will improve the access to AT, especially in resource limited settings, based on the best available scientific information and country experience;
- Support implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and making Universal Health Coverage inclusive.
The development of GReAT started in January 2019 under the guidance of the WHO/UNICEF Steering Committee, the Expert Advisory Group (EAG) with 18 global experts, and key AT stakeholders. The draft report is being developed by an Editorial Committee (EC) of five members under the leadership of the Lead Editor. It is based on the input of the background papers, case studies and user stories from the first global consultation, which was attended by over 270 AT stakeholders.
The EAG, WHO/UNICEF technical units and external AT experts have provided a series of critical reviews of the drafts developed so far. The current draft will be further updated with population survey data on access to AT from approximately 30 countries and includes progress indicators of the (WHA71.8) implementation status from the Member States (MS). The updated draft will be discussed at regional consultations representing all six WHO regions before its finalization. Based on the feedback from the regional consultations, the Lead Editor, EAG, and WHO/UNICEF Steering Committee will develop the draft for the second global consultation of AT stakeholders. The final report will be developed following the outcome of the global consultation.