After her husband passed away, Sakina moved from her house in interior Sindh to her sister’s home in Karachi. Her sister helped her to get work; cleaning a house owned by a caring and compassionate woman in Soldier Bazaar. Shortly after her employment, Sakina started experiencing joint pains, fever, and dizzy spells. Her employer arranged for lab tests, which diagnosed Sakina as suffering from Hepatitis C. Besides, Basharan, her son, was also diagnosed as infected from the same disease.

Sakina’s employer had heard about Behbud’s new Hepatitis C diagnostic and treatment clinic in Shirin Jinnah and drove both mother and son across town to have them treated. Sakina’s employer knew that patients at the Behbud treatment facility are treated free of cost, which includes all diagnostic tests, as well as treatment of the disease.

Routine questions, related to patient’s health history, revealed that Sakina had received a blood transfusion after her first miscarriage 20 years ago, which could have been a contributing factor of her contracting Hepatitis C.

The medical professionals at Behbud informed Sakina of the recent Hepatitis C treatment discoveries, which include the introduction of DAA’s (Direct Acting Anti-Hepatitis) oral medications for 3 to 6 months, depending on the condition of the liver. Not only is the new treatment option far better than costly injections, but it also provides a safe and user-friendly treatment for the patients.

The success rate for Hepatitis C recovery with oral treatments is 98%, and today, Sakina’s health is showing significant improvement as she enters month 5 of the 6-month treatment regimen.

On the other hand, Basharan, her son, only required treatment for 3 months. After completing the medical treatment with continual blood tests, Alhamdulillah, he is now cured of the disease. He is currently working as a wallpaper apprentice in Jamaa Cloth Market and would like to take Behbud’s electrician course one day.

Thanks to Behbud’s Hepatitis C diagnostic and treatment clinic, both mother and son can now resume a normal healthy life.

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus, infecting 71 million people worldwide (about one per cent of the world's population) and causes 400,000 deaths each year. If it wasn’t for the concern and empathy of her employer and Behbud’s quality medical care & treatment, Sakina and her son may have eventually been included in that statistic.

We urge you to please join us for World Hepatitis Day 2020 (July 28) and help us save more lives like Sakina and Basharan.

For as little as Rs.7000 you too can sponsor the treatment of a patient at Behbud’s Hepatitis C Clinic and Bano Zariya Kisi Ki Zindagi Badalnay Ka.

DONATE NOW!

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/

Running a nonprofit organization is an inspiring way to give back to your community and help those in need. Growing and sustaining a non profit takes years of effort and a great deal of determination similarly Behbud Association Karachi, also empowers communities to uplift their standard of living.

Behbud Association, Karachi, believes that good health is the first step in improving lives of disenfranchised people. Their subsidized health care programs provide efficient and affordable health services to marginalized communities. Behbud health services (BHS) provides quality healthcare to women and children at minimal cost. At present, 40 clinics a week are running under the umbrella of BHS. Behbud’s main centers are located in Mehmoodabad, near Kalapul and Clifton near Shirin Jinnah Colony. In both these centers, they have weekly clinics of general OPD, Pediatrics, Diabetes, Hypertension, Dermatology, Gynecology, Child immunization, and TB DOTS program. An eye clinic in conjunction with LRBT and Dental clinic is also there. Behbud also has its own X-ray department and pathology lab. This makes life easier for people who come to Behbud since all the services are available under one roof.

The journey of hope of Behbud Association, Karachi, will one-day Inshallah find its destination with the help of donations. Their meritorious services for certain communities have really cherished their lives. For more information and detail visit the website http://behbudkarachi.org.pk/