For many Haitians, the effects of the devastating 2010 earthquake still dictate their lives. From the beginning, CBM and local programmes were involved in the response, but the strategy has always been long-term.

Guillaume P. Rodnel, a community worker, showing a prosthesis to schoolchildren at Zorange school, north of Port-au-Prince
Photo: CBM

For all programmes, CBM is working with the local organisations to build expertise and training of skilled workers in order to strengthen self-responsibility and independence.

New crises and disasters have become the focus of the world's media, but for hundreds of thousands of Haitians the devastating earthquake of 12th January 2010 still dictates their lives. Many still live in temporary shelters, are unemployed and above all marked by physical and psychological consequences of the disaster.

Long-term strategy

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

The trauma of the disaster will haunt many of the victims for a long time. But children and adults with physical disabilities are among those whom there were absolutely no rehabilitation opportunities before the earthquake. With the training and rehabilitation assistants by CBM professionals, the foundation was laid for a future  independent physiotherapy curriculum in Haiti.

In 2011 CBM supported around 20 projects resulting from the emergency throughout the country. In addition to the focal point of medical rehabilitation, CBM pays particular attention to advocacy for persons with disabilities, so that the reconstruction of Haiti is accessible and can be made more inclusive. For example, French urban planner and CBM expert Benjamin Dard helped in development of a bill for barrier-free building standards and advises CBM partners in the construction of accessible housing for earthquake victims.

For all programmes, CBM is working with the Haitian government, Haitian self-help organisations of persons with disabilities and other groups. This networking also helps to build up local expertise and truing of skilled workers in order to strengthen self-responsibility and independence.

Further Reading

 Washline's Journey - Washline Jorcine has come an incredible way since being caught in the rubble left by the devastating earthquake that hit Port-au-Prince, Haiti in January 2010.

 CBM in emergencies