Ireland is becoming a world leader in innovation that leverages digital technology as a tool to address various barriers to accessing healthcare. Ireland, in partnership with WHO, recognizes the importance of mobilizing assistive technology to help the 2.5 billion people in need around the world, including older people, people with disabilities and people living with health conditions. . This includes ensuring equitable access to assistive devices such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, walking aids, wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, and communication and memory devices.
In March 2024, Anne Rabbitt TD, Irish Minister of State with special responsibility for disability at the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, signed a €12.5 million contribution agreement between the Irish Government and WHO to: agreed. Accelerate the affordability of assistive technology to those who need it.
The working relationship has been built over many years. Back in 2022, Taoiseach Dr Michael Martin, together with the Director-General of WHO and the Director-General of UNICEF, launched the Global Report on Assistive Technology. The Taoiseach stressed the importance of international cooperation to ensure fairer access to assistive technology to achieve a society where everyone is included and able to live their best lives.
Minister Rabbitt said: “Ireland, in partnership with WHO, recognizes the serious need to invest in our public health systems. The current risks of increased need make it clear that we all urgently need to: Act Now Ireland's contribution is consistent with the recommendations of the World Report on Assistive Technology and will support her five-year commitment to delivering a national health system model that includes assistive technology. This program explores and demonstrates how digital technologies can facilitate human-centered services. Advance assistive technology policy, improve the affordability and suitability of assistive products, enable effective delivery systems, and identify, screen, refer and provide assistive technology to all people who need it. Enhance the capabilities of healthcare workers. ”
Healthcare workers in Tanzania are participating in online training on assistive technology. This is part of an overall program aimed at providing simple assistive devices through communities and primary health facilities, making products such as walking aids and reading glasses more easily available to people across the country. It is something to do. their local area. Digital technology has helped facilitate efficient learning through the platform and enable healthcare workers to be supported by mentors through communication apps after training.Credit: WHO/Kylie Hsieh
As the world's population ages and non-communicable diseases increase, an estimated 3.5 billion people will need assistive technology by 2050. Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products, welcomed this important contribution by Ireland and its leadership. In digital initiatives. “The 2018 World Health Assembly Resolution on Assistive Technology calls on WHO to take the necessary steps to promote equitable access to assistive technology in its efforts to build a more inclusive world,” he said. Our partnership with the Irish Government will support WHO in achieving its goals.” Our mission is to ensure the health of all people, everywhere, as a critical assistive technology that enables well-being, inclusion and participation. ”
Through Ireland's contribution, and in collaboration with a wide network of partners, WHO is working to strengthen access to assistive technologies by understanding, prioritizing and stimulating the increased use of innovation and digital solutions. Develop evidence-based guidance for Member States. This work also includes national, regional and global projects testing digital solutions designed to address persistent access barriers, including: Digital tracking of products to manage supplies. Online training and support for healthcare professionals. The results and lessons learned will help countries expand their knowledge, skills and capacity in delivering assistive technology as an integral part of universal health care.
“Leaving no one behind'' means ensuring that people with disabilities, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, and everyone who requires assistive technology are included in society and can live healthy and dignified lives. means to.
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Click below to learn what assistive technology is, who needs it, and how assistive technology can improve your life.
Assistive technology is a general term for external products used by individuals to help maintain or improve bodily functions. Common examples include wheelchairs, glasses, prosthetic limbs, white canes, hearing aids, as well as digital solutions such as voice recognition and time management software. Assistive technology helps people in all aspects of life, including education, employment, fitness, leisure, and other daily activities such as self-care, cooking, and reading.
Most people will need assistive technology at some point in their lives, especially as they get older. Some people may need assistive technology temporarily, such as after an accident or illness, while others may need assistive technology for a long period of time or for the rest of their lives. They are commonly needed by the elderly, children and adults with disabilities, people with injuries, and people with health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and dementia.
Fair access is key
Improving access to assistive technology enables users to be included and participate in their families, communities, and all spheres of society, including the political, economic, and social spheres. Assistive technology has a positive impact on individuals, their families and friends, delivering broader socio-economic benefits. for example:
Providing young children with hearing aids early supports the development of language and communication skills and limits the negative impact on education, future employment and community participation. Providing appropriate wheelchairs facilitates mobility and improves individuals' access to education and employment while also reducing unpaid medical costs. Reduction in secondary complications such as pressure ulcers and contractures, therapeutic footwear for diabetics reduces the incidence of foot ulcers and prevents amputations and their associated impact on individuals and strain on the healthcare system. Providing assistive technology in a timely manner to older adults increases their independence and safety, allowing them to live in their own homes for as long as possible.
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