Newsletter – Aim NGO

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EYE CARE FOUNDATION

VISION: HEALTHY VISION FOR ALL

In areas plagued by illiteracy, lack of awareness, and inadequate facilities, access to eye care remains a critical challenge for underprivileged communities. Faisalabad ,known as the Manchester of Pakistan for its textile industry, suffers from the absence of proper sewage systems, leading to various diseases that have engulfed population over time. Polluted water mixing with drinking water poses severe health risks upon contact with the human body, particularly affecting eye health. Issues like eye swelling, blindness, loss of sight, night blindness, reddish eyes, and vision problems have become pervasive in these backward regions.

Recognizing the urgent need for eye care, AIM (NGO) intervened by establishing a low-cost eye hospital. Despite skepticism, our dedicated efforts and unwavering commitment have made this project a remarkable achievement. Months of planning and resource mobilization, alongside the support and faith of our donors, have allowed us to equip the hospital with state-of-the-art facilities and specialized eye care instruments.

Under the banner of the EYE CARE FOUNDATION, we provide affordable eye care services to those in need, including the following: – OPD: Treating refractive errors and other eye problems, with free medication provided. – Provision of reading and vision glasses at a nominal cost. – Cataract and Glaucoma surgeries

TB CENTER

AIM, an organization working in slum urban and surrounding rural areas, is committed to participatory and sustainable development strategies. We have witnessed the impact of poor health facilities and lack of awareness in these communities, particularly regarding tuberculosis (TB). TB is a significant health issue, ranking second only to HIV/AIDS as the leading cause of death worldwide from a single infectious agent. In 2023, an estimated 10 million people fell ill with TB and 1.4 million died from the disease.

In 1999, AIM initiated efforts to combat TB. Our field workers collected data on existing TB patients and conducted surveys to identify those in need of treatment. We established a TB Health Centre in Faisalabad’s Barkat Pura area, providing free treatment to the local community and surrounding areas. Since its inception, the center has successfully cured over 40,000 TB-positive patients.
The need for this program arose from the community’s challenges, including high TB mortality rates among women, orphaned children, and impoverished families. To overcome barriers in seeking treatment, we work with local religious scholars to educate and encourage individuals to pursue proper healthcare despite cultural restrictions.

In addition to medication, our dedicated team conducts home visits, ensuring patients adhere to their prescribed treatment and schedule regular check-ups with doctors. We offer free TB tests at our center and follow the DOTS strategy for effective treatment. TB awareness campaigns are regularly carried out, including the celebration of TB Day, to emphasize the importance of early treatment.

COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTHCARE CENTERS

Community-based healthcare centers in Barkatpura, Ibn-e-Mariam, Daugnagar, Khushhall Town, and Salik Town were established in 2000 to provide low cost outpatient department (OPD) services and laboratory facilities to underprivileged individuals. These centers have been instrumental in delivering accessible healthcare to vulnerable populations. To date, they have provided treatment to half a million individuals, making a significant impact on the well-being of the community.

Healthcare plays a crucial role in the overall development of individuals Access to proper medical facilities and services ensures that people can lead healthy lives and actively contribute to society. By providing low-cost OPD and laboratory facilities, these community-based healthcare centers prioritize the health needs of marginalized individuals who might otherwise struggle to afford healthcare services

The importance of these healthcare centers is not limited to the treatment of illnesses and ailments. They also promote preventative care and health education, empowering individuals to make informed decisions regarding their well-being. By addressing health issues early on and providing necessary treatments, these centers help prevent the escalation of diseases, enhancing the overall quality of life for the community

These community-based healthcare centers are a testament to the commitment of AIM and its partners to sustainable and participatory development strategies. By ensuring access to affordable healthcare, they contribute to narrowing healthinequities and promoting the holistic development of individuals. The achievements of these centers reflect the positive impact that targeted heathcare intiatives can have on the lives of underprivileged communities

GYNEA

The Child and Mother Care Project, initiated in 2012, has proven to be an essential healthcare facility in addressing the pressing issues surrounding the well-being of mothers and children in Pakistan. With over 6,000 patients served and 1,500 safe deliveries conducted, the project has made a significant impact. This low-cost facility ensures that mothers and children receive the best possible treatment and caro.

In Pakistan, maternal and child health indicators highlight the need for improved healthcare services. The country continues to face challenges, including a high number of deaths during childbirth, stillbirths, and infant mortality rates. Moreover, there is a lack of awareness around family planning and related issues.

The project addresses these issues by not only providing necessary medical care but by also conducting awareness sessions for women. These sessions create awareness about family planning methods and other critical aspects of women’s health. The project also employs highly qualified surgeons who are capable of performing both C-sections and normal deliveries.

In the locality, the Child and Mother Care facility stands out due to its affordability, as healthcare services are often expensive elsewhere. Moreover, the project operates a monthly quota where patients with extremely poor financial conditions receive free treatment and care.Through its efforts, the project is committed to reducing maternal and child mortality rates, improving access to healthcare, and increasing awareness about family planning. By providing quality healthcare services at an affordable cost, the project plays a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of both mothers and children in the local community.inequities and promoting the holistic development of individuals. The achievements of these centers reflect the positive impact that targeted heathcare intiatives can have on the lives of underprivileged communities

ORAL HEALTH/DENTAL CLINIC

An affordable dental clinic has been serving the community since 2009, providing essential dental care services to residents. To date, more than 50,000 individuals have been treated, indicating the significant impact of this facility. Oral health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and the availability of this dental clinic has played a vital role in promoting oral health awareness and providing necessary treatments. The clinic’s services have been well-received by the community, ensuring that individuals have access to affordable dental care and can maintain good oral hygiene, contributing to their overall health and quality of life.