Celebrating World Humanitarian Day 2020
CBM Ireland is proud to commemorate World Humanitarian Day on August 19th. This day honours all health and aid workers who strive to deliver protection and life-saving support to those in need. CBM workers are dedicated to helping people affected by the double-disadvantage of poverty and disability. They are driven by a belief that no one should be left behind and that the most vulnerable must be included in disaster relief work and long-term development.
CBM Ireland welcomes you to celebrate this important day with us. Below we share information on some of CBM Ireland’s involvement in Humanitarian action and response during 2019 and 2020.
VIVID Project
CBM Ireland is leading a new project funded by EU Aid Volunteers focused on improving inclusion in volunteering management and humanitarian action. The project’s aim is built on the growing evidence of the need to adapt current existing programmes to be more inclusive of persons with disabilities. Through combining the practices of disability inclusion, volunteering and humanitarian action VIVID brings people with disabilities to the foreground of contributing to development. Without their involvement organisations will continue to face difficulties achieving universal inclusion.
Sulawesi Earthquake Humanitarian Response
Medical service YEU in Mantikole village (during emergency phase)
CBM Ireland was able to contribute to a large response to the series of earthquakes in Cental Sulawesi Provice of Indonesia. Working in collaboration with CBM International and partners Yakkum Emergency Unit (YEU), PPDI and Care Partnership, major results were achieved in different areas. 1003 people with disabilities were identified and activities designed according to their needs; mobile clinics being provided; 12,419 people received specialized treatment in remote areas; 1500 Hygiene Kits were distributed; and by the end of May 2019, accessible water and sanitation stations for people with disabilities were established in the community.
Cyclone Idai Humanitarian Response
Photo of an accessible toilet in the IDP camp
CBM worked to mitigate the impact of Cyclone Idai through the provision of food and health services to households with persons with disabilities and other at-risk groups. 800 households were assisted with food packs in April and May and then monthly cash transfers up to December; 166 assistive devices were provided to people with disabilities; accessible toilets were provided in IDP camps; and 598 persons with disabilities were assessed through community outreach.
Food Crises Response
In August 2019, the Government of Zimbabwe declared the 2018/19 drought and cropping season a national emergency and appealed for international humanitarian assistance due to poor 2019 harvests caused by the El Niño phenomenon. CBM initiated a project to strengthen those affected by the drought through cash transfers and livelihoods. In total, 700 households affected by disability were assisted with cash transfers; a school feeding programmes was put together for 12 schools benefitting 9,600 pupils.