Asharfilal is a relapsed patient of advanced Tuberculosis (TB). He is currently receiving treatment from the government DOTS (Direct Observation Treatment Short-term) programme which provides daily antibiotics for 6 months, but fails to address the conditions of poverty, malnutrition, inadequate housing, family breakdown or hopelessness. Ashafilal is no stranger to any of these things. He is unsure of his age, but appears to be in his 80s and now lives alone.
First diagnosed with TB in 2004, Arshafilal completed a course of treatment. However, his son, overwhelmed by the burden of caring for this father, moved out of home and Asharfilal relapsed into a more aggressive strain of TB as a result of inadequate nutrition. His condition was brought to Asha’s attention by his concerned neighbour, an Asha Community Health Volunteer (CHV). Asha began providing him with a small ration of rice, spices, lentils, oil and soap as well as 2 fresh eggs daily (given by Asha to all TB patients for their high protein content). Asharfilal is now well on his way to recovery and says, “If Asha was not here I would have died by now”.
Rehana was 6 months pregnant but had not had an HIV test, despite advice from Asha staff and CHVs. Eventually, an Asha staff member insisted on bringing Rehana to the Asha polyclinic for antenatal checks and laboratory tests. Rehana was diagnosed as HIV positive, and her husband's subsequent test was also positive. The couple were referred to a local hospital for further tests and treatment. Asha staff members were vigilant, visiting the couple and reminding them to take their medication, and introducing Rehana to a doctor from a local hospital and encouraging her to deliver the baby there.
As a result of the constant support from Asha, Rehana and her husband are still healthy and take their medication regularly. Rehana had a normal delivery in hospital and full investigations were carried out on the baby. The doctor advised Rehana not to breastfeed for a month to avoid passing the HIV infection on to the baby, and Rehana is extremely grateful that her daughter has the chance of a normal life.
Sarvesh had been living in Amar Park, Zakhira, since she was married at 19. Her dreams of a happy family and a couple of children were shattered when she could not conceive even after 3 years of marriage. Her husband and in-laws looked down upon her as an infertile woman. She was abused and beaten up, and she suffered in silence.
All through her married years, she suffered from sexually transmitted infections but could speak of this to no one. For the next 11 years, she continued to live in shame but never disclosed her medical problem to anyone.
Then, she heard about Asha from some community women who had gathered to collect water. On learning that there was a clinic within the slum that had female staff and a female doctor, she decided to pay a visit. On reaching the clinic, she was surprised to see women from the community working as CHVs in the centre. She approached a CHV she knew, and hesitantly explained her symptoms. The CHV was quick to realize the urgency of her problem and took her to the doctor. After an examination and some tests, Sarvesh was diagnosed to have chronic pelvic inflammatory disease due to an STI (sexually transmitted infection) and was immediately started on treatment. Her husband was called for counselling and also put on medication.
Sarvesh visited the clinic regularly for her follow up treatment. She was hopeful that her problem of not being able to conceive would be solved, and after about 2 months after her treatment, she visited the clinic excited, and asked for a test to confirm that she was pregnant.
Sarvesh became the proud mother of a chubby son, and she and her family regularly visited the clinic for his vaccinations, and any of their health concerns.
I joined Asha's women's group and they taught me a lot. I've been able to take a loan and build another room on my house - our family income has doubled, and I can even give my children some pocket money as well as saving for their education.
Rainu, women's group member, Ekta Vihar
