Christian Blind Mission Commits To Support Vulnerable Groups
By Mohamed Nagimu Deen
The Christian Blind Mission (CBM) Sierra Leone celebrated its 50th anniversary of operating in Sierra Leone with the theme: “Empowering vision and inclusion,” at Family Kingdom Hall, Freetown, on March 31, 2026.
CBM, which has branches in Kenya, Nigeria, Palestine, Ukraine, and other countries, aims to improve eye health, education, and income opportunities for people with disabilities and vulnerable communities in Sierra Leone’s northern and north-western provinces.
The organization has partnered with the Ministry of Health, National Eye Health Program, Lowell & Ruth Gess Eye Hospital, Baptist Eye Hospital, Lunsar, Primary Eye Care Centre in Karene, Koinadugu, Kambia and Portloko, Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and Sierra Leone Union on Disabilities Issues to provide inclusive eye care services, education, and income-generating opportunities.
Keynote speaker, Bright Ekweremadu, CBM Regional Director, said that since they started operating in Sierra Leone in 1964, they have partnered with different institutions to help improve and transform countless lives in the country, adding that the 50 years milestone they have achieved in Sierra Leone is not just an anniversary, but a recognition of a power movement towards disabilities inclusive development.
He stated that this is not only a moment to celebrate, but also to sit and reflect on what will be their future mission for Sierra Leone, pursuant to that, he said that they will launch a BMZ project which is designed to strengthen inclusive eye health.
Ekweremadu highlighted challenges faced by people with disabilities in rural areas, including limited access to healthcare, education, and income, saying “When we think of 50 years, it is not numbers that stay with us, it is stories, very touching stories, and very interesting stories.”
He shared stories of beneficiaries and reaffirmed CBM’s commitment to continue working in Sierra Leone, hoping the organization will celebrate another 50 years in the country.
