(C) World Health Organization
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WHO and UNICEF drive regional action on assistive technology in the Eastern Mediterranean Region [1]
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Date: 2024-12
Cairo recently became the hub for transformative discussions on assistive technology as the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF co-hosted a regional workshop from 3–5 December 2024. The event brought together over 70 participants from 11 WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) countries, including government officials, researchers, user group representatives such as older people and persons with disabilities, as well as delegates from UN bodies like UNHCR and UNRWA. Opening remarks by Thomas Bellew, Deputy Head of the Embassy of Ireland in Egypt, set the stage for rich dialogue alongside contributions from Dr Adham Ismail, Director of Programme Management WHO EMR, Mr Marc Ruben, Deputy Regional Director UNICEF Middle East and North Africa, and Dr Heba Hagrass, UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The workshop emphasized the integration of assistive technology as a cornerstone of universal health coverage (UHC) while highlighting its importance in emergency preparedness and response. With over 140 million people in the EMR requiring humanitarian assistance and only 10% of those in need of assistive technology in the Region having access, participants explored solutions to address these gaps.
Key discussions covered WHO and UNICEF tools including WHO’s Training in Assistive Products platform and Assistive Technology Assessment Toolkit and UNICEF’s Supply Catalogues. Case studies from across the Region highlighted the breadth of work aimed at ensuring more people can benefit from the enabling potential of assistive technology.
“This workshop provided us with actionable strategies to strengthen assistive technology as part of both universal health coverage and emergency planning. It’s a vital step toward equity in access,” one participant noted.
A group photograph taken on the first day, featuring the Irish Mission representative alongside participants, reflected the collaborative spirit of the workshop.
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[1] Url:
https://www.who.int/news/item/19-12-2024-who-and-unicef-drive-regional-action-on-assistive-technology-in-the-eastern-mediterranean-region
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