Evaluation of post-earthquake rehabilitation response in Haiti

A Recent study conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) has shown that CBM, the overseas disability charity, and their partners are continuing to play a crucial role in developing the capacity of the rehabilitation sector in Haiti, after the 2010 earthquake.

The 2010 earthquake in Haiti was of unprecedented scale. CBM, with 30 years of experience in the country, was involved in the initial emergency phase and has continued to support partners since.

Where the general population lacks access to basic services and people live in poor conditions, a disaster like this particularly impacts people with disabilities.

In January 2012 The International Centre for Evidence in Disability at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), with significant support from the CBM Country Coordination Office in Haiti, completed a nine-month study ‘Evaluation of Post-Earthquake Physical Rehabilitation Response in Haiti, 2010’.

 Download the "Evaluation of post-earthquake rehabilitation response in Haiti" press release (PDF)

The study findings show that CBM with its partner network and advocacy activities in Haiti has been (and still is) playing a crucial role in developing the capacity of the rehabilitation sector in Haiti as part of CBM’s response and relief activities, in order to ensure that short-and long-term physical rehabilitation needs of people in Haiti are met.

Furthermore, a social network analysis reveals that CBM constitutes a pivotal link between various stakeholders in the field of rehabilitation to improve co-ordination, share expertise and use synergy.

Nevertheless it is also acknowledged that there are still changes needed in the co-ordination of measures and stakeholders and in achieving sustainability according to the needs and potentials in the post-earthquake situation in Haiti.

The Haitian Government estimates that the number of persons with disabilities in Haiti following the disaster is 1.1 million (1 in 7 of the population).

As part of its humanitarian work in Haiti, CBM supported an evaluation of the post-emergency rehabilitation response in order to assess what had been achieved, learn from good and not-so-good practice, and promote the development of an effective rehabilitation sector in the future.

This evaluation provides evidence about what must be done in a post-disaster situation so that people with disabilities have access to relief and protection on an equal basis with others, and what is required in the long-term to develop a good rehabilitation service.

“CBM wishes to thank the research team at the International Centre for Evidence in Disability at LSHTM, for carrying out the study and providing the report and recommendations. We also thank the CBM team in Haiti for making the study possible and to all the participants who shared their knowledge and experience.” says Prof. Allen Foster OBE, President, CBM.

-Ends-

Press enquiries:  Clare Rice on 01223 484700.

CBM Information For Editors

What We Do

CBM, the overseas disability charity, is an international Christian, disability and development organisation committed to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities and those at risk of disability. CBM is working in over 80 of the poorest countries of the world, reaching more than 36 million people each year.

• CBM supports health care for persons with disabilities, and prevention of conditions which can lead to disability.
• CBM seeks to improve access to health care, education and rehabilitation services for people with visual, hearing, physical, intellectual or psychosocial impairments.
• CBM aims to mainstream disabilities into all aspects of development and empower people with disabilities to take an active role in their communities through inclusion in development projects and involvement in community initiatives.
• CBM is an official partner of the World Health Organization in a number of fields including prevention of blindness, hearing impairment and mental health.