Developing National Priority Assistive Products Lists: experiences and lessons from six Sub-Saharan African countries

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Disability Studies
• Health Systems Strengthening

Background:

• Assistive technology (AT) access remains a significant challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• National Priority Assistive Products Lists (APLs) are essential tools for organizing and improving AT provision.
• Limited research exists on the practical experiences of developing APLs in diverse LMIC contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the experiences and lessons learned from six Sub-Saharan African countries in developing National Priority Assistive Products Lists (APLs) from 2020 to 2024.
• To provide actionable insights for enhancing AT access in LMICs through effective APL development.
• To identify facilitators and barriers in the APL creation process.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive methodology.
• Multi-faceted approach including desktop review of documentation and publications.
• Semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders (n=9) across six countries.

Main Results:

• Multi-stakeholder engagement is critical for successful APL development.
• Common challenges include limited data availability, varied prioritization frameworks, and the need for local context adaptation.
• Facilitators include strong government leadership and integration with existing health systems, despite funding and regulatory barriers.

Conclusions:

• Developing National APLs is a complex process requiring inclusive stakeholder input.
• Data-driven prioritization and integration into health system strengthening are vital for effective APLs.
• These findings offer guidance for other LMICs aiming to improve AT access and uphold disability rights.