Hayate Habib Shifa receiving a dose of Zithromax® syrup as part of the Mass Drug Administration <br/>(MDA) campaign for trachoma elimination in Misrak Silti District, Ethiopia.

Integrated health systems that leave no one behind

78.2 million people reached through disability-inclusive, integrated healthcare

Mageni (4) and Pingwa (7) overcame bilateral congenital cataracts with successful surgery, and their great-grandmother Daka (77) is thrilled to see them enjoy life.
Mageni (4) and Pingwa (7) overcame bilateral congenital cataracts with successful surgery, and their great-grandmother Daka (77) is thrilled to see them enjoy life.

CBM’s Inclusive Health Initiative (IHI) has released its first Annual Report, showcasing how disability-inclusive, integrated healthcare can deliver results for millions of people across the globe.

The health initiative, introduced in 2024, brings together four core health areas: Inclusive Eye Health, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), Ear and Hearing Care (EHC), and Physical Rehabilitation. 

“Our integrated approach recognises that people often experience multiple, interrelated health needs. By addressing these holistically, we ensure people receive comprehensive care and improved access to essential services. Our approach is grounded in inclusion, particularly for people with disabilities and those in vulnerable settings, by strengthening health systems to be responsive to everyone, says Dr Babar Qureshi, Director, Inclusive Health Initiative, CBM.

In 2024, the Initiative reached 78.2 million people across 31 countries, integrating services in eye health, NTDs, physical rehabilitation, and EHC. More than 232,000 surgeries were performed, 272,000 assistive devices provided, and 139,000 health workers trained—investments that strengthen national health systems while ensuring the most marginalised are not left behind.

To achieve this, the CBM employs a systems change model based on Disability-Inclusive Development (DID) principles. The model integrates inclusion into health financing, infrastructure, workforce training, and governance. This approach ensures that investments in health address immediate needs while also establishing sustainable, equitable systems for the long term.

Milestones across our four health priority areas

Children share a joyful moment in a rural community in Burundi where trachoma has been eliminated as a public health concern.

Inclusive eye health: We outline our district-level approach, health systems strengthening lens and reflections from a CBM Regional Advisor. In Kenya, the Vision Impact Project supported county governments in establishing eye health policies, strategic plans, and new health units. A door-to-door screening even helped diagnose a woman’s brain tumour in time to save her remaining eyesight.

Neglected Tropical Diseases:  Over 70.5 million people were reached across six countries (Burundi, Central Africa Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Nigeria, and South Sudan), delivering 100.9 million doses of NTD medicines, reducing disease burden and strengthening national health systems. In the DRC, CBM and partners launched the first comprehensive trachoma surgical campaign in one of the most underserved provinces, helping to move the country closer to elimination goals. With technical and financial support from Sightsavers and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), the National NTD Programme has launched what will be a multi-year journey to eliminate trachoma in the DRC.

Physical Rehabilitation: More than 169,500 people accessed rehabilitation services, including life-changing surgeries and assistive devices, with success stories from Kenya and Cameroon highlighting how timely intervention restores dignity and independence.

Ear and Hearing Care: In Zambia, children like Stephan and Kaysha—previously excluded from school due to hearing loss—received hearing aids and now fully participate in learning and community life.

Aligning with global health goals

CBM’s work is directly contributing to the WHO NTD Roadmap 2030, the World Report on Vision, the World Report on Hearing, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. At the 2025 World Health Assembly, CBM played a key role in securing a new resolution on integrated care for sensory impairments, ensuring that vision and hearing loss are addressed as global health priorities.

The report shows that inclusive health is possible, scalable and cost-effective. For institutional donors and policymakers, the Initiative demonstrates how targeted investment achieves both immediate impact and lasting systemic change.

Read the full Inclusive Health Initiative Annual Report 2025 here

  • CBM Inclusive Health Initiative Annual Report 2025

    pdf, 7.6MB, Accessible

    This report highlights the achievements of our Inclusive Health Initiative, showcasing how disability-inclusive, integrated healthcare has reached 78.2 million people across 31 countries, addressing multiple health needs through comprehensive care.

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