UNICEF-WHO release the first Global Report on Assistive Technology

Highlights:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have released the first Global Report on Assistive Technology (GReAT).
• The paper, which was created in conjunction with UNICEF’s Office of Research- Innocenti, includes 10 important actionable suggestions for enhancing access to assistive technology for all children, as well as evidence-based best practise examples.
• With the help of UNICEF‘s Office of Research – Innocenti, UNICEF and WHO created a series of 11 free-access background papers to accompany the Report.
• Around the world, 2.5 billion people require assistive technology. According to the estimate, by 2050, the population will have grown to 3.5 billion people.
• The gaps between low- and middle-income countries and high-income countries in terms of access to assistive technology are disturbing.
• Access to assistive technology for individuals who need it is as low as 3% in some low- and middle-income nations, whereas it is significantly higher in high-income countries, with up to 90% of people receiving the assistive devices and services they require.
• The worldwide impact of the WHO-UNICEF Global Report on Assistive Technology in this scenario will be unprecedented. 
• Enabling settings and Assistive Technology are recognised in the Global Report as prerequisites for people in need to realise their human rights.