Islamabad : At the World Health Assembly (WHA) currently in progress in Geneva, Pakistan provided leadership to the cause of access to assistive technologies for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and the aging population, as well as for people suffering from Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

Pakistan organised a special event to chart a way forward for countries to take concrete measures in improving access to assistive technologies for those who need them. Pakistan was supported in hosting the event by China, Italy and Iraq. Pakistan’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva Farrukh Amil presided over the event while Director General Health Dr. Assad Hafeez participated.

The event was attended by a large number of heads of country delegations to the World Health Assembly, and ambassadors and high-ranking officials from several countries including heads of leading global institutions and INGOs.

Speaking on the occasion, Farrukh Amil mentioned the efforts made by Pakistan to promote the cause, making special reference to the recently held meeting of regional countries hosted in Islamabad to develop the first regional strategic action framework for assistive technologies. He said, major success was achieved when Pakistan was able to lobby for the assent of the WHO Executive Board to table a resolution on the subject in the current WHA. “This is victory for the 1 billion people across the globe living with various kinds of disabilities,” he said.

Dr. Assad emphasised the need for countries to commit to improving access to assistive products. The World Health Organisation’s first Global Champion for Assistive Technologies, a Pakistani doctor, Sana Hafeez, related her journey of being afflicted with disability after an accident and how it inspired her to convert her challenge into strength and become a voice for those needing assistive devices.

Tajikistan Deputy Health Minister Dr. Aziz Abdosattar Odinazoda pledged his fullest support to the cause. The Vice President of Chinese Disabilities Federation Jia Yong and Li Xi head of the China Assistive Devices and Technology Centre shared the cutting edge work undertaken by China in this important area. They pledged unflinching support of their organizations in developing industry to manufacture assistive products for PWDs in countries part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, WHO Deputy Director-General reiterated the commitment of WHO to support Member States in developing the strategic roadmap for improving access to Assistive Technology. Ambassador of Ecuador Luis Gallegos, and head of global funds of the Department for International Development Dr. Danny Graymore also addressed the event.

Dr. Maryam Mallick, WHO Pakitan’s Technical Adviser for Disabilities and Injury Prevention, shared technical support being provided by WHO to Pakistan in developing strategies, prioritization and implementation of assistive products list, and launch of National Need-based Assessment Survey.