Retina South Africa excited to share an important opportunity for you to make a difference in the lives of persons with disabilities across Africa and beyond. On June 12, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) will host stakeholder engagement sessions in Africa to discuss the proposed updates to the Priority Assistive Products List (APL). This is your chance to contribute to a global effort to ensure that assistive technologies—vital tools like hearing aids, wheelchairs, communication aids, and more—are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our communities.

As a member of the WHO’s Technical Advisory Group (TAG), our Chairperson, Mariza Jurgens, recently had the privilege of joining experts in Geneva to review and expand the proposed APL. Their discussions focused on making the list more inclusive, ensuring it reflects the diverse needs of persons with disabilities worldwide. The APL serves as a critical guideline for governments, outlining the assistive devices they should prioritize to remove barriers and empower individuals with disabilities.

By updating this list, they aim to enhance access to life-changing technologies, from physical aids like prosthetic limbs to digital solutions like smartphone accessibility features.

Why Your Voice Matters
The upcoming stakeholder engagement sessions are a unique opportunity for you—advocates, users, caregivers, and community members—to share your insights and experiences. Your feedback will help shape the final APL, ensuring it addresses real-world challenges and promotes equity in access to assistive technologies. Whether you’re a person with a disability, a family member, or a professional in the field, your perspective is invaluable.

How to Get Involved
The WHO is hosting open online consultations in June 2025, including the session on June 12 focused on Africa. We encourage you to register and participate in these discussions. Share your thoughts on which assistive products are most needed, how they can be made more accessible, and what barriers still need to be addressed in your communities. You can find more details and register for the sessions through the WHO’s official channels (Register here for the African Region consultation: https://who.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZC2Qf0UmRaivaF8jHEytwQ

Learn more about the APL open consultations here: Assistive Products Priority List (APL) open consultations).

Why This Matters
Assistive technologies empower individuals to live independently, participate in society, and achieve their full potential. The APL is more than a list—it’s a roadmap for governments to prioritize funding, procurement, and policies that break down barriers for persons with disabilities. By expanding the APL to be more inclusive, they are advocating for solutions that meet the needs of diverse populations, including those in low-resource settings across Africa.

A Call to Action
We urge you to join these stakeholder sessions and lend your voice to this transformative process. Together, we can ensure that the updated APL reflects the realities and aspirations of our communities. Let’s work toward a world where assistive technologies are not a luxury but a fundamental right for all who need them.

For more information on the APL and the stakeholder engagement sessions, keep an eye on WHO’s announcements or contact Retina SA directly for guidance on how to participate. Let’s make inclusion a reality!