Fields of Work

The aim of CBM's work is to provide medical care, education and rehabilitation to as many blind, low vision, deaf, physically and other disabled people in low income countries as possible. The focus is on prevention and treatment of diseases causing disability wherever possible and education and rehabilitation so that people with disability can be included into their society as equals and to lead a largely independent life, respected by their fellow citizens.

In realising its aims, CBM always works in partnership with national and local organisations. Today, CBM supports more than 1,000 projects in 113 countries. These projects are conducted in a most professional and efficient way to ensure a multiplying effect.
Current fields of work cover

• medical, surgical and optical servives to restore sight and prevent visual loss
• clinical care, education and rehabilitation for blind persons and people with low vision
• medical, orthopaedic and physiotherapy services for persons with physical disabilities
• education, rehabilitation and training for deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind people, and prevention of hearing impairment
• support and care for mentally or multiply disabled persons
• professional (medical, educational and rehabilitation) training of local co-workers

In 2006,

• 18,770,270 (2005: 12,575,583) needy people received medical treatment, education or rehabilitation
• 38,846 (45,121) local professionals were working in CBM-supported projects
• 79,737 (42,045) local co-workers received professional (medical or educational) training
• 126 (116) assigned CBM co-workers of 23 nationalities assisted project work