Over 2.5 billion people worldwide require assistive products such as wheelchairs and assistive devices, yet nearly one billion lack access. There is a stark disparity in access between low—and high-income countries, and access and availability can match as low as 3% of the need for these essential devices. The number of people needing assistive products is projected to rise to 3.5 billion by 2050, far outweighing supply (UNICEF 2022).
Assistive technology is crucial as it transforms lives by facilitating education, employment, and independence. Denying access to these products infringes on human rights and is economically shortsighted. Approximately 240 million children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable without assistive technology. This lack of access hinders their education and exposes them to more significant risks of child labour, stigma, and discrimination, adversely affecting their confidence and well-being (WHO Regional Office for Africa 2024).
Affordability remains a significant barrier, with two-thirds of users paying out-of-pocket for assistive products, often relying on financial support from family and friends. Surveys have shown substantial gaps in service provision and trained workforce, especially in cognitive, communication, and self-care domains. Challenges such as lack of awareness, high costs, inadequate product quality, and supply chain issues are also noted (South African Medical Research Council, 2023).
Imported wheelchairs in East Africa fall short in many crucial areas. They are expensive to import, built for different environments and struggle on the African terrain, thus frequently breaking down. Repairs are a constant battle because spare parts are not readily available. They are made with lightweight alloys that are difficult to weld, further complicating repairs. Thus, the high cost of importing and maintaining them creates a significant financial burden, limiting access for those who need them most.
Assistive products are crucial for community participation, and their absence leads to exclusion and dependency.
