Global priority research agenda for improving access to high-quality affordable assistive technology

Overview

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than one billion people are in need of one or more assistive products. The majority of these are older people and people with disabilities. With populations ageing and a rise in noncommunicable diseases, the number of people needing assistive products is projected to increase to beyond two billion by 2050.

However, only one in ten people in need currently have access to assistive technology. Without access, people are often excluded and may be locked into poverty and isolation; increasing the impact of disease and disability on the person, their family and on society as a whole. To address the substantial gap between the need for and provision of assistive technology, WHO established the Global Cooperation on Assistive Health Technology (GATE). The GATE initiative has prioritized research and innovation as a key focus area.