The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Azerbaijan, together with the Ministry of Health, the Administration of the Regional Medical Divisions (TABIB), and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and supported by the ATscale Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, has launched a series of trainings on assistive products in Shamakhi.
The trainings are based on WHO’s Training in Assistive Products (TAP), a digital platform that blends theoretical learning with hands-on practice. For the first time, TAP is fully accessible in the Azerbaijani language, enabling local health professionals to build stronger expertise in assistive technology (AT). The program is designed to empower primary health care providers to assess individual needs for assistive products, make appropriate referrals for specialized care, and seamlessly integrate AT into everyday health services.
“As populations age, noncommunicable diseases increase, and more individuals with disabilities, the demand for assistive products — from spectacles and hearing aids to mobility devices — continues to grow globally and in Azerbaijan, By building knowledge and skills at the primary care level, TAP ensures that those who need assistive products can access them efficiently.” WHO stated.
In their opening remarks, Ramik Guliyev, Head of Department at the Ministry of Health, and Emil Iskenderov, Head of Department at TABIB, emphasized the vital role of assistive products in promoting social inclusion and enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. They highlighted that expanding access to these products supports Azerbaijan’s national priorities to improve healthcare services and advance digital health solutions.
Natig Aliyev, Head of Shamakhi District Hospital, stressed the importance of ensuring health services are accessible and inclusive for all. Representing the State Medical-Social Expertise and Rehabilitation Agency, Samira Shikhaliyeva contributed by presenting information on state-funded priority assistive products and their provision for people with disabilities.
These training sessions mark a key milestone in developing sustainable and inclusive assistive technology systems in Azerbaijan. By uniting national health and social protection stakeholders with international partners, the event created a platform for knowledge sharing and collaborative learning, reinforcing the country’s efforts toward digital health reform and inclusive healthcare delivery.
