Universal health coverage
Together, let’s ensure access to assistive technology for all who need it
Assistive technology is an important component of health care and achieving universal health coverage (UHC). UHC is part of the 2030 Agenda’s sustainable development vision for everyone, everywhere, to access the health services they need without facing financial hardship. However, UHC can only be realized if people are able to access quality assistive technology when, and where, they need it.
Assistive technology plays a crucial and transformative role in this area. The inclusion of assistive technology, in line with countries’ national priorities and contexts, into health systems is essential for realizing progress towards UHC and the Sustainable Development Goals. A comprehensive, sustainable and multisectoral approach to improving access to assistive technology is needed at national and subnational levels.
Why assistive technology matters for universal health coverage
 | Essential for quality health care — supports prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care. |
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 | Improves health and wellbeing — enhances physical and mental health for people of all ages. | |
 | Ensures inclusion — enables access to health services for everyone, leaving no one behind. |
Inclusion is key to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and leave no one behind. There will not be full inclusion while people are unable to access assistive technology. Assistive technology cuts across all 17 SDGs and is particularly relevant to some.
