Improving access to assistive technologies in LMICs
Published on 2022-01-26 16:28:20Momentum

Improving access to assistive technologies in LMICs

News

IDA Foundation and Momentum sign distribution agreement to improve assistive technology access in LMICs

Amsterdam, 27 January 2022 - IDA Foundation and Momentum Wheels for Humanity, with the generous support of the United States Agency for International Development, are collaborating to provide equitable access to quality wheelchairs so that people with mobility impairments in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have the opportunity to live healthy, productive and independent lives. 

The World Health Organization estimates that currently only 1 out of 10 people in need of assistive technology (AT) has access, with the need greatest in LMICs. This large gap in demand and supply of AT is due to various intersecting challenges, including high costs and a lack of awareness, availability, trained personnel, policies and financing.

The collaboration addresses this growing and urgent unmet need by supplying quality, affordable wheelchairs built specifically for less-resourced settings. Since one type of wheelchair cannot fit the unique needs of every wheelchair user, IDA has added three different wheelchairs to its portfolio, each with various features to meet a range of needs.

Universal Health Coverage is one of IDA’s strategic goals, and we believe that no one should be left behind. This means that people with mobility disabilities everywhere have access to quality assistive products to enhance their personal mobility, health, and access to education, work and social life.

Please contact your IDA sales representative for more information.

For an overview of the wheelchairs available for order, please see our Assistive Technologies factsheet.

About Momentum

Momentum Wheels for Humanity (Momentum) has worked since 1996 to increase access to mobility and rehabilitation services for children and adults with disabilities around the globe. Momentum works in more than 50 low- and middle-income countries globally and reaches an average of 20,000 people per year. Momentum builds and strengthens rehabilitation services within health systems through training and capacity building, policy and standards development, and supply and distribution of wheelchairs and other life-changing equipment. That means helping people with mobility impairments to access the tools and services that they need to live more independent lives; helping rehabilitation workers become more skilled and more confident in their abilities to treat others; and helping governments to create policies that multiply our impact.