[citation needed] CBM was founded in 1908 by the German pastor Ernst Jakob Christoffel,[2][1] who built homes for blind children, orphans, physically disabled, and deaf persons in Turkey and Iran.

The global community has made significant strides in reducing poverty, but persons with disabilities continue to face disproportionate challenges.

Founded in 1908 by Pastor Ernst J. Christoffel, CBM is an international Christian development organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities in the world's poorest communities.

Ernst J. Christoffel embarked on a journey to Turkey in 1908 and established a home for blind, disabled and orphaned children in Malatia.

He continued to minister to the disabled, the impoverished and the abandoned, earning him the title "Father of the Blind, the Deaf and Dumb, the Physically Handicapped and the Orphans".

In addition to supporting blind people, CBM expanded its programmes to include the rehabilitation of the deaf and persons with physical disabilities.

In 2002, CBM was granted consultative status at the United Nations, which enabled it to actively contribute to global policy discussions and initiatives.

The organisation has continued to expand its reach, celebrating its 15 millionth cataract operation in 2020[11] and working with drug manufacturer The Mectizan Donation Program to fight river blindness.

[14] The organisation has launched the CBM Foundation, which provides supporters with additional opportunities to sustainably improve the lives of persons with disabilities in poor countries.

[15] CBM also celebrated the 15 millionth cataract operation performed by a partner in Uganda, highlighting the organisation's ongoing commitment to restoring sight.

In the same year, CBM's German affiliate merged with CBM-International, strengthening the organisation's global programmatic work and increasing its effectiveness and efficiency.

[17] CBM also advocates for disability inclusion following UN guidelines in international policy-making bodies, and campaigns and raises funds through its member associations.