The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 2.5 billion people need assistive technology, but access to assistive products is as low as 3% in some settings. Among the users of assistive technology, the majority are older people and those living with disabilities or with chronic health conditions. Access to assistive technology is a fundamental human right to live a productive, dignified and independent life.

Recognizing the need to enhance access to assistive technology and to harness the potential of digital technologies to support health systems for the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals, the World Health Assembly (WHA) has adopted two resolutions: WHA71.8 on improving access to assistive technology and WHA71.7 on digital health.

To improve access to assistive technology, WHA71.8 requests Member States to develop, implement and strengthen policies and programs to improve access to assistive technology, to ensure that adequate and trained human resources for the provision and maintenance of assistive products are available, to promote or invest in research, development, innovation and product design to make existing assistive products affordable; and to develop a new generation of products. In its resolution on digital health, WHA urges Member States to develop, implement and utilize digital technologies as a means of promoting equitable, affordable and universal access to health for all, and to build capacity for human resources for digital health, especially through digital means. The combination of these two approaches holds transformative potential, impacting health, education, livelihoods, and social participation.

Further, the publication of the first WHO and UNICEF Global report on assistive technology and advances in technology, new knowledge, evidence and innovative solutions are made available. WHO is now in the process of developing guidance on the use of digital technologies, including digital health interventions, to enhance access to assistive technology and maximize benefits for users, their families, service providers, and society, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

In its capacity as an advisory body to WHO, the TAG shall have the following functions:

1. To provide technical and scientific advice on digital technologies for enhancing access to assistive technology and their use; and
2. To review and recommend priorities, activities and strategies for the use of digital technologies for enhancing access to assistive technology, especially in low- and middle-income countries.