WHO launches progress indicators for assistive technology

One of the biggest barriers to accessing assistive technology is a lack of data. Without relevant, quality information, decision-makers face huge challenges in developing evidence-informed policies and programmes to improve access for their populations. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has developed the WHA71.8 Progress Indicators for access to assistive technology to collect high-level information from all Member States to track and measure progress in achieving the resolution. The Progress Indicators monitor the status of assistive technology access across ten specific areas reported in the resolution: legislation, population and geographic coverage, budget, responsible ministries, human resources, education and training, financial coverage, regulations and standards, and specific assistive technology initiatives. The WHA71.8 urges all Member States to take actions to improve access to assistive technology and requests the WHO to develop a Global Report on Assistive Technology based on the best available scientific evidence and international experience.