CBM’s two nominations were among the awardees announced on 3 December 2025, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Both projects will be presented at ZeroCon26 at the United Nations Office in Vienna in February 2026. The Zero Project Awards focus on solutions that advance the rights of persons with disabilities.
CBM recognised with two awards for disability inclusion
Two innovative and inclusive practices supported by CBM have been selected as recipients of the Zero Project Award for 2026. Those were chosen from 586 submissions across 93 countries, highlighting 75 solutions that focus on Accessibility, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and Crisis Response.
The awards recognise CBM’s work in disability inclusion in humanitarian response through disability-inclusive mobile cash transfers in Bangladesh and the use of the Peek Vision software and data intelligence platform in eye health programmes.
Inclusive mobile cash transfers in humanitarian crises
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After Cyclone Amphan hit Bangladesh in 2020, CBM, in partnership with Centre for Disability in Development (CDD) and Disabled Rehabilitation & Research Association (DRRA), addressed the exclusion of persons with disabilities from mobile cash assistance in humanitarian response activities. The programme involved accessible registration, support to set up mobile accounts, and a disability-related top-up to cover extra costs such as medicines or repairs to assistive devices.
The intervention delivered multipurpose cash assistance to 3,198 households through the bKash mobile money platform, including 1,120 households with persons with disabilities. Local Organisations of Persons with Disabilities took part in data collection, targeting and sensitising mobile agents. Many recipients were registered as direct account holders, which strengthened their control over funds. Post-distribution monitoring showed high levels of accessibility and user satisfaction.
The pilot led to two guidance notes on extra costs of disability in crises and disability-inclusive cash programming. These tools are now used across CBM’s humanitarian programmes and training.
“The innovation shows that with modest adaptations like top-ups, accessible mobile banking and OPD engagement, cash assistance delivers inclusive and empowering outcomes.”
Till Kuester, Acting Director for Inclusive Humanitarian Action at CBM.
Peek: a software and data intelligence platform for eye health
“Our partnership with Peek has enabled us to bring eye care to millions more people. It helps us see where people are getting lost in the health system and reach those who would otherwise miss out.”
Peek Vision’s software supports eye health services from community to clinic. Community volunteers use an app to conduct vision screening, record data and refer people for care. The app works offline and connects to a cloud platform that provides real-time information on screening, referrals and attendance.
Clinicians record diagnoses and treatments through the system, which gives programmes a complete view of where people are accessing services and where they are dropping out. These insights strengthen follow-up, help identify barriers and improve service delivery.
CBM uses Peek in Pakistan, Kenya and Zambia to expand access to eye care in remote areas. CBM has used Peek tools to screen more than 13 million people and connect 1.4 million to services.
“Our partnership with Peek has enabled us to bring eye care to millions more people. It helps us see where people are getting lost in the health system and reach those who would otherwise miss out.”Dr Babar Qureshi, CBM Director Inclusive Health
Peek Vision’s software supports eye health services in Pakistan
