Access to Health Products Policy

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development places health, well-being and universal health coverage at the centre of its development vision, with the commitment to leave no one behind. Universal health coverage includes appropriate access to affordable and quality-assured medicines and health products. As essential health products, assistive products and medical devices (including in vitro diagnostics) are fundamental to the achievement of good health and well-being, universal health coverage, and for preparedness and response to emergencies and outbreaks.

WHO’s unit of Assistive Technology and Medical Devices sits within the Health Products Policies and Standards Department of the Access to Medicines and Health Products Division. This unit supports Member States to improve access to assistive products and medical devices, including in vitro diagnostics, personal protective equipment (PPE), medical imaging and implantable technologies. The wide spectrum of the work of the unit encompasses: development of policy guidance; selection of priority and essential products as reference for development or update of national lists;  technical specifications for procurement; information on training, safe use, maintenance and decommissioning; and finally new and innovative technologies.

Since early 2020, the WHO’s unit of Assistive Technology and Medical Devices has also played an important role in the COVID-19 response for IVDs, oxygen products, PPEs, and other technologies critical for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. 

Technical Teams