CBM BELIEVE Project (P00583)
Project Overview
Project Name: Bungoma Enhancing Localized Inclusive, Efficient, Vision Engagement
(BELIEVE) Project
Duration: March 2025 – December 2027
Partners: IcFEM, CBM Global, CBM UK
Location: Bungoma County, Kenya
Project Launch
The BELIEVE Project officially launched in 4 th March 2025 as a collaboration between IcFEM, CBM Global, and CBM UK.
The project aims to strengthen inclusive, comprehensive eye health services and broader community health initiatives in Bungoma County, Kenya.
Key Achievements – BELIEVE Project (Q1 2025)
- Project Launch & Governance: BELIEVE Project successfully launched and a 9-member Project Steering Committee formed and met twice in March to review Terms of Reference.
- Integrated Medical Outreach (Siboti, Bumula Sub-County): A total of 302 patients were screened and treated, exceeding the target of 300. Among them, 176 received eye screenings, with 26 identified for surgery and 6 referred for fundoscopy. Additionally, 153 patients were assessed for other health conditions, including orthopaedic and mental health issues.
- Subsidized Eye Surgeries; Six cataract surgeries were fully funded for extremely vulnerable patients. A total of 19 individuals were assessed using a vulnerability tool, with follow-up plans initiated for those who were not assessed during the outreach.
- Community Health Promoters (CHP) Sensitization: 59 CHPs trained on inclusive eye health and disability mainstreaming.
- Referral System Strengthening (Initiated): Awareness of DMH’s services was actively promoted during outreach activities and CHP sensitization meetings. An Eye Health Focal Person and a dedicated referral hotline were designated to streamline patient referrals and strengthen the eye health referral chain.
- Government Engagement: BELIEVE Project was formally introduced to county-level duty bearers during its launch. Plans are in place to hold high-level meetings with key government officials in Quarter 2 to strengthen collaboration and support for project implementation.
- Community-Based Implementation Support: IcFEM’s Field Units and LTUs supported mobilization, security, assessments, and follow-up.
- Project Monitoring and Coordination: Consultative support calls were conducted with CBMG during the quarter to guide implementation. Formal joint monitoring activities are scheduled to commence in the next quarter.
What We’re Working On
- Expansion of community outreaches to cover 15,000+ individuals.
- Scale-up of inclusive eye surgeries, rehabilitation, and assistive device provision.
- Training of Rehabilitation Trainers of Trainers and eye health personnel across Bungoma.
- Enhanced collaboration with OPDs, government, and local health units.
Community Voices
“I can now see clearly after my cataract surgery at Dreamland. I am grateful to the team that brought this to my village.”
— Mary, Bungoma North resident
“Our LTU is now actively involved in mobilizing and educating the community on eye health. This is a first for us.”
— LTU Leader, Kimilili
Ongoing:
Quarterly progress updates, community outreach, and advocacy events
About the Project
Partners: IcFEM Mission, CBM Global, CBM UK, Bungoma County Government Target: Improved eye health and inclusive development for 1.7M residents of Bungoma
