Overview
Health technologies are essential for a functioning health system. The response to the global COVID-19 pandemic crisis has exacerbated the need for rapid evidence based assessments of innovative health technologies to ensure safe and appropriate use. Thus, the objectives of the 2021 compendium are to:
1.Select innovative technologies that can have an immediate or future impact on the COVID-19 preparedness and response, have the potential to improve health outcomes and quality of life, and/or offer a solution to an unmet medical/health technology need by evaluating their appropriateness, quality, and safety.
-
Shed light on advantages and challenges associated with the adoption of innovative health technologies in low-resource settings.
-
Acknowledge some success stories and, at the same time, raise awareness of the pressing need for appropriate and affordable solutions and encourage more innovative efforts in the field.
-
Encourage greater interaction among Ministries of Health, procurement offices, donors, technology developers, manufacturers, clinicians, academics and the general public to ensure greater investment in appropriate health technology and a move toward universal access to essential health technologies.
-
Support informed procurement decisions by NGOs, governments, and other stakeholders.