Ireland commits €12.5 million to WHO initiative on assistive technology access

Ireland and WHO agreed a €12.5 million donor agreement in March 2024 to support a five-year initiative integrating assistive technology into national health systems. The programme aims to improve affordability and availability of products such as glasses, hearing aids, walking aids, wheelchairs, prosthetics and communication devices, including for older people and people with disabilities or chronic conditions.

WHO estimates that 2.5 billion people currently need assistive technology, rising to 3.5 billion by 2050 as populations age and noncommunicable diseases increase. Through the initiative, WHO will develop evidence-based guidance for Member States and collaborate on national, regional and global projects testing digital approaches to persistent access barriers. Planned approaches include user information platforms, digital product tracking to manage supplies, and online training and support for health workers.

For clinicians, the programme aims to strengthen capacity to identify needs, screen, refer and provide assistive technology within health services. WHO cites online training and subsequent remote mentoring of health workers in Tanzania as an example of digital support for community and primary care provision. This announcement describes funding and planned activities, rather than study findings; it does not report quantified improvements in access, affordability or patient outcomes.