A UN report launched on 16 May by WHO and UNICEF says many people cannot access assistive technology. In some low- and middle-income countries access is as low as three per cent.
The report says more than 3.5 billion people will need one or more assistive products by 2050 because of population ageing and the rise in non-communicable diseases. At present about 2.5 billion people need such products.
The report notes practical problems such as long travel distances and high costs. Around two-thirds of users pay out of pocket and others rely on family help. It calls on governments and industry to fund and include these devices in universal health coverage.
Difficult words
- assistive technology — devices that help people with daily tasks
- access — ability to reach or use somethingaccess is
- non-communicable disease — long-term illnesses not spread between peoplenon-communicable diseases
- population ageing — increase in average age of a country's people
- out of pocket — paid directly by a person, not by insurance
- universal health coverage — health services and costs provided for everyone
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you know someone who uses an assistive product? How does it help them?
- What problems could make it hard for people to get these devices where you live?
- Who do you think should pay for assistive devices: families, government, or companies? Why?
Related articles
Brain differences in WTC responders with PTSD
New imaging research of World Trade Center responders finds measurable brain structure differences linked to long-term PTSD. Researchers used gray-white contrast (GWC) MRI and other markers to distinguish responders with and without PTSD.
Citizen archivists record South Asian oral traditions
Citizen archivists in South Asia record folk songs, oral histories, riddles and traditional medicinal knowledge. They upload videos and transcriptions to Wikimedia Commons, Wikisource and Wikipedia to preserve fading cultural knowledge.
Sudan turns to AI as health system struggles
Sudan’s health system is under severe strain after an almost two‑year civil war. A senior health official says the country is using artificial intelligence to help provide care where normal services no longer reach, while shortages and attacks worsen the crisis.