First Global Forum on Medical Devices

Healthcare technologies, in particular medical devices, play a fundamental role in strengthening national health systems and in improving health outcomes. Actions to ensure improved access, quality and use of medical devices, aligned with primary health care reform are needed.

The World Health Assembly adopted the first resolution on health technologies in May 2007 (resolution WHA60.29 attached). Delegations from Member States acknowledged the importance of health technologies for the achievement of health-related Millennium Development Goals, urged expansion of expertise in the field of health technologies, in particular medical devices, and requested WHO to take specific actions to support Member States. The resolution urges Member States to ensure the effective management, assessment and use of medical devices.

WHO is convening the First Global Forum on Medical Devices to mobilize stakeholders to establish networks and share knowledge on best practices, information and tools available. The forum will provide an opportunity for discussion on the challenges and approaches to implement the above-mentioned resolution. The critical role of medical device policies for the achievement of universal access and patient centred care with respect to national health strategies, health technology management systems, regulation, assessment and use of medical devices and the position of the biomedical engineer will be addressed.

High level policy makers represented by ministries of health, United Nations organizations and key stakeholders, including users, civil society, funding agencies, international organizations, academic institutions, medical technology industry and media are invited. Your participation will provide an essential perspective and will contribute to the success of the forum and the actions to follow.

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