Solution-Focused Approach towards Improved Access to Assistive Mobility Technology and Devices in Low and Middle-income Countries: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: The article focuses on the main challenges for low and middle-income countries (LMICs) and approaches that need to be implemented to achieve assistive mobility devices for all. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about one billion (15%) of the world’s population lives with some form of disability, with projections for the same to double by 2050, a significant proportion (approx.840 million) of them residing in low- and middle-income countries. As per WHO, it is estimated that only 5-15% of the people requiring assistive technology have access to it. In low and middle-income countries, the rate of accessibility is expected to be worse due to the high cost of the products, diminished awareness, lack of trained personnel, inadequate availability, and ineffective policy implementation due to lack of funds. The current developments in assistive mobility technologies and devices available at a high cost for consumers in high-income countries have neglected the requirement of persons with disabilities in low and middle-income countries. The improved rehabilitation methods of assistive mobility devices may deliver economic and health benefits to individuals and lessen the financial burden on governments in the future. Therefore, multidisciplinary research is greatly needed to measure and prove the effectiveness of rehabilitation treatment methods and to develop an evidence-based sustainable treatment, particularly in LMICs. Also, a detailed service model assessment can identify the lack of current service provision. The online databases were searched to find relevant articles for the purpose.