Fight TB with Behbud Association, Karachi

Tuberculosis (TB) is considered one of the world's most infectious diseases and continues to be a pressing health problem today. It is an airborne killer and can affect any one of us. Over 5,000 women, men and children still die each day from TB. The social and economic impacts are devastating.

Behbud Association, Karachi is a not-for-profit organization (NPO) working relentlessly to empower women and children in deserving communities. TB is most prevalent in such areas, so by focusing on these TB hotspots through its TB clinic and mobile TB van, Behbud aids the neediest people.

Behbud Association, Karachi follows the WHO approved D.O.T.S program in TB treatment and achieves an even higher rate of cure than the WHO target of 85%. This is possible because Behbud insists on screening all suspect cases, strictly follows all patients throughout the 6-8 month treatment (even visiting defaulters in their homes, if necessary) and provides TB awareness programs to the women and children of vulnerable communities.

Behbud Association, Karachi has a holistic approach and works in the fields of Health, Education and Livelihoods. These services empower women and children and improve their lives tremendously.

Success stories of TB survivors motivate Behbud Association, Karachi to continue in its fight against TB. Behbud Association Karachi wants to raise awareness about this disease, and about the importance of getting tested and adhering to treatment.

One of many success stories is Shehrbano

Unfortunately, throughout Pakistan, TB is a disease of poverty.

Shehrbano’s mother grew up in poverty and had to leave school as a child to take care of her siblings. She left home when she married, but her husband passed away leaving her with 4-year-old Shehrbano. Facing destitution, she decided to move back to her parent’s home, who were barely making ends meet themselves.

Shehrbano was brought to Behbud’s TB clinic after she had been suffering for two months with fevers, cough, and general malaise. At the age of 17, she felt ashamed about telling anyone about her illness due to stigmas associated with TB. Behbud TB clinic’s trained staff worked tirelessly with her for six months and supported her throughout her treatment. They made sure she followed the treatment diligently and also counseled her about her disease.

She now speaks openly about her TB. Her renewed confidence and well-being is a ray of hope in her impoverished community. Shehrbano has been deemed cured.

Behbud’s TB program was initiated in the year 2000. It is open to both men and women.

By donating Rs. 120,000,  the cost of treatment for a TB Patient you too can be part of a success story:

http://behbudkarachi.org.pk/donate/

Come one, Come All! Bring the whole family! The Behbud Spring Fiesta 2018 – By far the grandest annual fundraising event of Behbud Association, Karachi, took place on Saturday March 3rd 2018 at the DA Sunset Club from 12 noon to 10pm and had queues of shoppers and attendees. The event was the talk of the town. A week later there is online positive chatter about the fiesta and incoming calls requesting advance booking for next year.

The event was advertised not only through word of mouth, flyers and posters but on all platforms of social media, radio and television (Thank you FM91 and TV 1). Due to all the hype, and the support of the public we had a record breaking attendance. The Fiesta was the perfect platform to launch the exclusive unstitched hand embroidered ladies suits called ‘Behbud Breeze’, a new line introduced by Behbud Association, Karachi. It was a definite hit with our loyal customers. Also available for sale at the other Behbud stalls were our in-house handmade leather products, block printed goods, children’s clothes, stitched ladies wear, towels and table linen. The Behbud White Elephant Stall did a roaring business selling items donated by members and friends of Behbud.

In total we managed to accommodate 167 stalls and unfortunately had to turn away a long list of eager vendors. There was a huge array of quality stalls which included Pret Wear, handicrafts, towels, bedsheets, unstitched clothes, bridal wear, jewelry, condiments – you name it, it was there! A shopper’s paradise all under one marquis!

After hours of shopping, the hungry public headed to the Food Court. To cater to the taste of the discerning Karachiites, we had a variety of options available for them. There were established Karachi outlets such as OMG, Il Posto, New York Coffee, Berlin Doner & Gyro, White Biryani, Chai Shai, D’OH, Waffle Witch, Waffle Cart, Organigo, as well as upcoming home based stalls like Khow Chow, Dhokla on the Go, Popholic and, a personal favourite, Delina. Right in the center was the Behbud Bake Shop which had chaat from Mirchili, rolls from BBQ Tonight, the most amazing cakes from Shama, banana bread from Emaan and other goodies baked and cooked by members and friends of Behbud. Robin Hood Army was invited to collect all leftover food but most food stalls were sold out by early afternoon, while others were forced to take breaks to restock.

Our main attraction was the Kids’ Area. It was a hit with fun activities including an actual pool with boats, t-shirt block printing, face painting, clay painting, Easel Bay canvas painting, a trampoline, mehndi booth, and animal balloons. On-stage entertainment kept everyone constantly engaged - the kids, parents and even the stall holders were equally interested. There were hourly games with prizes, cooking competitions, storytelling sessions, as well as two magic shows by the renowned magician, Sabir Ali.

Last but not least, there was a beautiful selfie booth designed, gratis, by well-known artist, Anisa Rashid Khan who gave the booth a ‘Pride and Prejudice’ theme with flowered hats, parasols and other fun props. Ladies and kids were happy taking selfies as well as celebrities who came to the Fiesta to show solidarity with Behbud’s mission. Spotted taking pictures at the booth were HIna Bayat, Khushbakht Shujaat, Marina Khan, Nadia Hussain, Shahzad Sheikh and Yousuf Bashir Qureshi.

A big thank you to all who came out to support Behbud Association, Karachi, an NPO run by women volunteers to empower women and children. As always, the money generated from the Fiesta will go toward Behbud’s Education, Health and Livelihood projects

A heartfelt thank you to Helium Pvt Ltd who gave us invaluable support and help and all our sponsors namely Engro Vopak, Hubco, Engro Elengy, Engro Fertilizer, Unilever and TCS for their timely financial help.

Thank you all for coming and see you next year!