The global initiative on health technologies was initiated in March 2008 and implemented by the diagnostic imaging and medical devices unit of the department of essential health technologies at the World Health Organization in an effort to improve access to appropriate health technologies. The specific aims of the initiative were:
to support the international community on establishing a framework for the development of national health technology programmes that will have an impact on the burden of disease and ensure effective use of resources;
to encourage the business and scientific communities to identify and adapt "innovative" technologies that can have a significant impact on public health in developing countries.