Friday 30 March 2018

The STORY OF TB: From Victim to Survivor

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/