Guyana is strengthening efforts to expand access to assistive technology as part of its commitment to improving health, inclusion, and independence for people with disabilities. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health’s Rehabilitation and Disability Services and the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, brought together key stakeholders on 20 July 2026 to discuss priorities for improving access to essential assistive products.
The consultation highlighted the importance of assistive technology, including wheelchairs, prosthetic devices, hearing aids, spectacles, communication tools, and digital technologies, in enabling people with disabilities, older adults, and individuals requiring rehabilitation services to participate fully in society. These products are increasingly recognized as a key part of universal health coverage and sustainable development.
Globally, more than 2.5 billion people require at least one assistive product, a number expected to rise to more than 3.5 billion by 2050 due to population ageing and the growing impact of noncommunicable diseases. However, many people still face barriers to accessing the technology they need, limiting their independence, education, employment opportunities, and social participation.
Guyana has made progress in strengthening rehabilitation and disability services through expanded healthcare programmes, workforce development, and the implementation of the National Rehabilitation Services Strategy 2021–2030. The country has also completed an Assistive Technology Capacity Assessment and developed a National Priority Assistive Product List to guide future investments and improve service delivery.
The Ministry of Health has introduced several initiatives to improve access, including removing fees for prosthetic devices, expanding wheelchair distribution, providing hearing aids and spectacles, and modernizing prosthetic services through technologies such as 3D printing. These measures aim to improve quality of life for people in vulnerable and underserved communities.
The discussion also emphasized the connection between assistive technology, employment, and social inclusion. Officials highlighted that accessible technologies and workplace accommodations help people with disabilities pursue education, secure employment, achieve independence, and contribute to economic development.
PAHO and Guyana’s government partners stressed that continued collaboration among healthcare providers, government agencies, employers, civil society organizations, and development partners will be essential to creating a system where assistive products are affordable, accessible, and available to everyone who needs them.
