ACCESS to appropriate assistive products is essential for individual functionality, mental health, independence, inclusion, participation and development of people with disabilities, the elderly and those with functional limitations.
Access to appropriate assistive technology is a human right as enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the National Disability Policy.
The provision of assistive technology is an essential element of achieving the universal health coverage, which emphasises the importance of effective access and improved health outcomes.
The National Strategy for Assistive Technology and Products Priority list was launched through the Ministry of Health and Child Care in May 2024.
The list of priority products includes wheelchairs, spectacles, hearing aids, sunscreen creams for albinism, crutches, orthoses, braille displays and magnifiers, among others.
Such products can also assist in reducing the impact on caregivers, managing the effect of secondary health conditions and promoting economic growth.
According to the National Assistive Technology Strategy, despite the benefits of assistive products, they remain unlimited due to unaffordability, fragmented supply chains, limited regulatory capacity, weak governance and inadequate domestic funding among other issues.
The rural population and marginalised communities are more disadvantaged. Further, limited access to assistive technology has also hindered access to health information.
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The Living Conditions Survey (2013) revealed that only 14,4% of those in need of assistive devices reported to using an assistive device and the highest proportion of users was in urban areas.
The study further revealed that the assistive devices for communication and personal mobility where mainly in use. While the provision of rehabilitation services has been provided at all levels of care, limited access to assistive technology and the absence of disability support services such as sign language interpreters has affected the quality of services.
The absence of skilled professionals such as occupational therapists has led to poorly matched assistive technology solutions compromising timely access and quality of service.
Various stakeholders are involved in the provision of assistive technology in Zimbabwe, and this includes, government ministries and regulatory bodies, health and education professionals, social workers, local and international non-governmental organisations, organisations of persons with disabilities, civil society organisations, United Nations agencies, local manufacturers and suppliers.
According to the National Disability Policy, the provision of assistive devices should be regulated to foster affordability and ensure quality. Donations should not be provided haphazardly, but they must be prescribed or provided based on assessments conducted by registered health professionals.
Further, the entities that produce assistive technologies must consider the diverse needs of people with disabilities and the different types of disabilities.
User training and access to information and communication technologies is key in enhancing access. Children with disabilities, who require assistive devices, must receive them at the earliest time possible as it has a significant impact on their development, independence and quality of life.
In some cases, the recipients of assistive devices have been passive users and yet receiving an inappropriate assistive device can pose several risks to the user and caregivers.
Poorly matched assistive technology provided without proper assessments can lead to physical discomfort, pain or injury exacerbating the condition.
Using assistive technology that is not suitable and does not meet user needs can lead to frustrations of the user, reducing the motivation to use assistive technology. If the assistive device is ineffective, the user may experience challenges communicating, further affecting their independence and productivity.
Therefore, it is imperative to conduct thorough reviews of user needs, provide user training and re-assess the assistive device periodically.
Poor quality assistive technology requires frequent repairs, replacements and adjustments, increasing cost for the user, caregivers and service providers. Without understanding the user needs and context, donors may spend significant funds on ineffective assistive technology, which will be abandoned.
The absence of standards can lead to the proliferation of unsafe devices increasing the health risks associated with inappropriate devices. However, service providers and manufacturers need to reflect on the loss of credibility and reputational risk, which hinders philanthropy work and development efforts.
Recommendations
It is recommended to systematically integrate assistive technology as an element of health programmes such as rehabilitation or non-communicable diseases, including availing assistive technology at all levels of care.
A multi-sectoral approach is key in providing access to quality assistive products. This entails the Ministry of Health and Child Care taking the lead in coordinating with other ministries/departments of education, social welfare and labour to enhance access through a wider system of private sector and development partners.
The provision of assistive products should consider quality, affordability, availability and a selection of products to choose from. Services and systems that facilitate the provision of assistive technology should place people at the centre emphasising the importance of user engagement, ease of use, adjustability and choice.
The respect for user preferences and choice is central in the selection process. Compliance and regulations that follow local and international standards, such as ISO standards, will ensure safety and quality.
Facilitating user training to users and caregivers on how to operate and maintain assistive technology is essential to support the user in daily living activities.
Access to appropriate assistive technology should be equitable, therefore, everyone in need of assistive technology regardless of the socio-economic status, geographical location or other conditions should access quality assistive technology.
Therefore, the collaboration with stakeholders, such as service providers, manufactures, educators, clinicians and advocacy groups will improve access and quality.
The government should collaborate with various stakeholders to make assistive technology affordable and available to underserved populations. It is imperative to invest in emerging technologies that combine artificial intelligence and other advancements for assistive technology.
The availability of data is important in understanding the user evolving needs, preferences and habits enabling the manufacturers to produce effective assistive technology solutions.
The need for assistive technology is large and growing, with the number increasing due to the aging population and increase in chronic health conditions.
In humanitarian or emergency situations, the provision of assistive devices should be prioritised to facilitate mobility and access to services and a more effective response.
Addressing the unmet needs of assistive technology will enable individuals to realise their potential, contributing to the achievement of the sustainable development goals.
- Tigere is a development practitioner and writes in her personal capacity. These weekly articles are coordinated by Lovemore Kadenge, an independent consultant, managing consultant of Zawale Consultants (Pvt) Limited, past president of the Zimbabwe Economics Society and past president of the Chartered Governance & Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe. — kadenge.zes@gmail.com or mobile: +263 772 382 852
