爱尔兰与世界卫生组织达成重要合作协议，共同致力于改善全球辅助技术的获取和可负担性。2024年3月，爱尔兰残障事务国务部长Anne Rabbitte与世卫组织签署1250万欧元捐赠协议[1]，支持一项五年倡议，以强化各国卫生系统中的辅助技术能力[1]。
全球对辅助技术的需求规模巨大[1]。目前约有2.5亿人需要辅助技术，其中包括老年人、残障人士和慢性病患者[1]，预计到2050年这一数字将增至3.5亿人[1]。Anne Rabbitte强调："爱尔兰已认识到需要与世卫组织一道在公共卫生系统中进行投资。"[1]世卫组织助理总干事Yukiko Nakatani博士表示："我们与爱尔兰政府的伙伴关系将支持世卫组织实现为全球人民提供健康保障的使命。"[1]这项合作将通过数字解决方案改善全球辅助技术产品的获取和可负担性[1]。此前，2022年爱尔兰总理Micheál Martin与世卫组织总干事及联合国儿基会执行主任共同发布了《全球辅助技术报告》[1]。
Ireland and the World Health Organization have committed to strengthening access to assistive technology worldwide through a significant partnership agreement. In March 2024, Ireland's Minister of State for Disability Affairs Anne Rabbitte and WHO officials signed a €12.5 million donation agreement to support a five-year initiative aimed at enhancing assistive technology within health systems and improving product availability and affordability for vulnerable populations globally [1].
The initiative addresses a critical global need, as approximately 2.5 billion people currently require assistive technology, with this figure projected to rise to 3.5 billion by 2050 [1]. The target beneficiaries include older adults, persons with disabilities, and individuals living with chronic diseases [1]. Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating: "Our partnership with the Government of Ireland will support WHO in achieving our mission to ensure health for all, everywhere" [1]. Minister Rabbitte highlighted Ireland's commitment, noting: "Ireland has identified the serious need to invest in public health systems alongside the WHO" [1].
This partnership builds on Ireland's earlier leadership in assistive technology advocacy. In 2022, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin joined WHO Director-General and UNICEF Executive Director in launching the Global Report on Assistive Technology [1]. The new initiative will leverage digital solutions to enhance access to and affordability of assistive technology for the billions of people in need across the globe [1].
