Systems strengthening for assistive technology financing

Lack of financing for assistive technology is one of the key barriers to access. Assistive products and services are usually costly, while users are often financially fragile population groups. In addition, these costs are not one-time, but recur throughout an individual’s lifetime. 

A key challenge in financing assistive technology in low- and middle-income countries is the lack of adequate, predictable and stable public funds dedicated to national assistive technology programmes. Current public financial resources are limited and the fiscal space is expected to shrink further. 

In most countries assistive technology programmes are relatively new or neglected areas, and are often fragmented across health and social sectors. As a result 2 in 3 people pay out-of-pocket for AT, which has multiple negative consequences, such as forgone use and financial hardship for households