The Call for Innovative Technologies is Still Open for Submissions until 31 January 2010

...and we would like to remind you of the key points regarding this opportunity. Please circulate information about the call as appropriate. http://www.who.int/medical_devices/call/en/index.html
Please note that there are no grants available in the call.

Current situation
Medical devices are indispensable in health care delivery. However, availability of and access to appropriate and affordable health technologies in low- and middle- income countries are still insufficient.
Objectives of the call
The call aims to encourage the development and dissemination of innovative technologies designed to address the key health problems that represent a major burden to low- and middle- income countries in particular. Persons interested in the call, including industry and academia, are invited to submit applications for evaluation and selection. The health problems concerned are listed in the call brochure. To qualify submitted technologies should be compatible with the infrastructure and intended use context in the targeted low- and middle- income countries.

Key dates
* 11 September 2009 - Opening date for submissions
* 31 January 2010- Deadline for submission of applications
* 27-29 April 2010- Selection of applications
* 30 June 2010- Posting of selected technologies on the WHO website

Important update: The scope of the call has been expanded to include cancer and disability. A new version of the application form is now available online which reflects these changes.

Selected Technologies
The experience of health technology experts working with WHO in the GIHT will be employed in analysing products and identifying aspects which need to be strengthened to successfully reach the markets in resource scarce settings, and hence in formulating and supporting a way forward for selected technologies. Selected innovative technologies will be highlighted on the WHO Essential Health Technologies web site and will be shared through meetings, events and technology specific web forums with governments, donors, financing organizations and organizations supporting the development of technologies for the developing world.

Please do not hesitate to ask questions about the call.

Best regards,

Mr Björn FAHLGREN
Technical Officer

World Health Organization
Department of Essential Health Technologies
Diagnostic Imaging and Medical Devices
20, avenue Appia
CH-1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland