Haiti: cbm Continues its Commitment

New crises and disasters have become the focus of the world's media, but for hundreds of thousands of Haitians, the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010 still impacts their lives.

Thousands still live in temporary shelters, are unemployed and are traumatized physically and psychologically by the disaster.

cbm’s Response

Immediately after the earthquake, cbm (which has been supporting projects in Haiti since 1976) provided food, water, shelter and medical care with its local partners. cbm’s strategy aims at long-term improvement of the lives of those affected, especially persons with disabilities.

The rehabilitation centre of the Adventist Hospital in Port-au-Prince is an example of cbm’s holistic project approach: patients receive qualified medical assistance, physiotherapy, as well as psychosocial support and care for their families.

Before the earthquake, there were no rehabilitation programs available for children and adults who had physical disabilities. But with the training of rehabilitation assistants by cbm professionals, the foundation has now been laid for a future independent physiotherapy program in Haiti.

cbm’s Long-Term Commitment

In 2011, cbm supported roughly 20 projects throughout the country. In addition to medical rehabilitation, cbm is actively involved in the advocacy for persons with disabilities to ensure the reconstruction of Haiti is accessible and more inclusive.

In all our programs, cbm is working with the Haitian government, Haitian self-help organizations of persons with disabilities and other organizations. cbm is committed to Haiti for the foreseeable future. Our long-term strategy focuses on health, education, advocacy, community-based rehabilitation and disaster preparedness.

Please continue to pray for the people in Haiti and cbm's partners.