International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South: Access to Assistive Technology A Global Challenge
Over one billion people worldwide, primarily those with disabilities and the elderly, require at least one assistive device, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
However, in a reflection of the gap in healthcare and human rights, Disability Innovation Researcher Giulia Barbareschi notes that a shocking nine out of ten people with disabilities in the Global South, where over 80% of them live, lack access to the assistive technology they need.
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology (AT) is a broad term for products, systems, and services designed to help maintain or improve an individual’s ability to function.
These products address needs related to cognition, communication, hearing, mobility, self-care, and vision. By enabling individuals to live healthy, productive, and independent lives, AT is crucial for ensuring their well-being, social inclusion, and full participation in society.
Despite its vital role, access to assistive technology remains a major challenge. Evidence suggests that an estimated 90% of people who would benefit from these technologies do not have access to them.
The first-ever Global Report on Assistive Technology, which was published in May 2022 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, revealed that only 5-15% of the AT needs of children with disabilities are being met.
The situation is particularly dire for specific devices: while 70 million people need a wheelchair, only 5–15% have access to one; only 5% of the 40 million amputees worldwide have access to prosthetics; hearing aid production meets just 10% of the need globally, dropping to only 3% in low-income countries; and 200 million people with low vision lack access to spectacles or other low-vision devices.
The lack of access to assistive technology is a human rights issue. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by 175 states, commits governments to ensuring access to affordable AT and fostering international cooperation to achieve this.
Beyond human rights, improving access to AT is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By enabling the inclusion of AT users in all aspects of society, including political, economic, and social spheres, we can ensure that "no one is left behind." This is also crucial for realizing universal health coverage (UHC), a key pillar of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which aims to provide essential health services without financial hardship.
Tags: UNICEF UNITED NATIONS Editor's Pick WHO
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Selestine Nyongesa
An editor at Signs Tv
Experienced and versatile writer, dedicated to using my exceptional writing and editing skills to inform and advocate. My work focuses on educating and entertaining readers on a range of topics, with a particular expertise in matters of disability.
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