Today, almost 140 million 1 people around the world are affected by conflicts and natural events. In such humanitarian crisis, assistive products are often lost and damaged, increasing the likelihood of persons disability, older people and those affected by non-communicable diseases to face threats, vulnerabilities and severe health complications. The resolution WHA71.8 Improving access to assistive technology calls on Member States to promote the inclusion of priority assistive products and inclusive barrier-free environments within emergency preparedness and response programmes. WHO is working with key stakeholders to support countries in making quality assistive products accessible in humanitarian settings
The GATE team has recently launched a survey to identify priority assistive products in humanitarian response. The findings will support agencies to select and procure assistive products within the acute phase of any emergency. Once products are identified, the next step will be supporting this list with product specification and guidance on procurement and provision (including workforce and services required).
Link to the survey in six UN languages: