United Republic of Tanzania
Improving the systems and policy environment to strengthen access to assistive technology for persons with disabilities and older people in Tanzania
Partners:
Improving the systems and policy environment to strengthen access to assistive technology for persons with disabilities and older people in Tanzania
Map of United Republic of Tanzania
Objectives of the programme: To advance assistive technology scaling by creating policy change, improving data and evidence, increasing awareness and capacity, integrating assistive technology into universal health coverage, and generating shared learning, leading to strengthened national assistive technology leadership, established multi-sectoral coordination, and brokered knowledge.
Programme description: ATscale worked with HelpAge International to assess and improve the assistive technology landscape in Tanzania. This included the formation of a Technical Working Group, carrying out a rapid assessment (rATA) and drafting of a National assistive technology strategy.
Programme results:
 | The consultative process, which meaningfully engaged the multi-sectoral/stakeholder working group, including persons with disability, led to the development of the National Assistive Technology Strategy (2024-2027) of The United Republic of Tanzania. The Strategy is informed by the National AT Capacity Assessment Report and lays the foundations to develop and implement policies to improve access to assistive technology. |
 | The training significantly enhanced the capacity of 40 Community Health Workers (70 per cent women) to proactively identify people with disabilities and older individuals, successfully linking 34 previously hard-to-reach individuals to essential health services and assistive technology access through referrals. |
 | Awareness-raising activities conducted by HelpAge reached 1,284 people (42 per cent women), leading to an increased demand for assistive technology within the health centres targeted by the programme. |
