Fight TB with the help of Knowledge

Fight TB with the help of Knowledge

By: Khadijah Shah (Rays of Development Organization, (ROD), Sargodha Pakistan)

On 14th June, at 9:00am to 10:00am, at Saint Paul High School, University Road, Sargodha, classes 9th and 10th, participated in the TB prevention program, which was held by the co-operation of The Asia Foundation Pakistan (TAF) and Rays of Development Organization.

The lectures specified in the function were associated to the struggle against Tuberculosis. Fifty Nine (59) students, four (04) teachers and the Principal Sir Aslam Joseph attended the function. Both the Organizations were provided with the freedom to give lectures and to guide the students with liberty, about these dangerous diseases.

This is the first course function held by these two organizations and their basic purpose is, to guide the students of Schools about these diseases. The similar chain of events is to be carried on afterwards in 3 big schools in Sargodha, to inculcate awareness in the minds of the listeners especially students. In the issue of Schools, both Organizations merge to show the best consequences in this good cause. As far as the Government Schools are concerned, The Asia Foundation Pakistan has taken the responsibility on its shoulders to guide the students to lead a healthy life as HEALTH IS WEALTH.

From The Rays of Development Organization, Madam Rosy Dewan, Nadeem Samuel and Imran Mazher and from The Asia Foundation Pakistan, Mohammad Asif and Miss Sana, the social mobilizers, showed their vital presence in the function.

The lines written on the slogans were justified and discussed in detail by both of the Organizations. The first slogan was that Tuberculosis is curable. Miss Sana answered several questions to make the conceptions of the students clear.

The questions were as following:
1. What is Tuberculosis?
Ans: It is the disease of lungs but on certain conditions it can also effect other organs of the body.
2. Can Tuberculosis spread its viruses?
Ans: Yes, it can spread it viruses when an infected patient spits, coughs or sneezes.
3. What are the symptoms of Tuberculosis?
Ans: Cough prolongs three weeks or even more that that, blood comes in the spit, normally the patient suffers from temperature and the weight reduces.
4. Where can be Tuberculosis diagnosed?
Ans: It can be diagnosed from a nearby Hospital, Health and Tuberculosis Center. To diagnose the disease the spit test is taken.
5. How can it be cured?
Ans: There is no need to get worried because National Tuberculosis Control program is started and World Health Organization has started a program named DOTS (directly observed therapy short course), due to which the patient should without any delay refer to these programs and they will provide him with a special medicine which he has to take for 8 months regularly.
6. Where can is this medicine available?
Ans: This medicine is available at almost every medical store or hospital and in the Government hospitals, it is provided without any financial restriction.

After Miss Sana's appetizing debate, Nadeem Samuel shared his knowledge with the undergraduates. He told the students about the important steps that are to be taken.
The patient should not give unnecessary gaps in taking the medicine and the medicine should be taken with the proper management of time.
A responsible man should become his caretaker or guardian.
The members of his family should not neglect him or send him somewhere else for the treatment. They should have a friendly and caring attitude towards him to bring some hope in his life.
Breast Feeding is harmless even when a woman is afflicted by this disease.
The Disease of Tuberculosis is curable and for the best result one has to take the medicine for 8 months and he has to be punctual in doing so without any delay. He should also consult a specialist for a regular check up to show the progress in his reports. Without the doctor's suggestion he should not discontinue the medicine.


Mr. Nadeem Samuel added that the man who is suffering from this disease should make the proper use of handkerchief while coughing, sneezing and spitting; as it can be effective in the open environment and can become the cause of annoyance in the lives of others.

At the end of the function juices were distributed amongst the students, by Mohammad Asif and Imran Mazher. The Principal of St Paul’s High School, Sir Aslam Joseph thanked both organizations for providing the younger generation with knowledge and for inculcating in their minds the awareness due to which they can lead a happy and healthy life in the society.

The activists from both the Organizations thanked Sir Aslam Joseph for providing them a chance to interact with the students directly and provide them with the awareness of the bitter realities (diseases) of life, but when faced with courage and determination, then they become no less then the dead mosquitoes.



Report Recommended by:
Mr. Ferhan Mazher,
Chairman
(Rays of Development Organization).

Fight against TB with the assistance of Massive Weapon of Knowledge

Fight against TB with the assistance of Massive Weapon of Knowledge
By: Khadijah Shah (Rays of Development Organization (ROD), Sargodha, Pakistan)

On 14th June, at 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM, at Saint Peter's High School, Chak (Village) # 79N.B, Sargodha, classes 8th, 9th and 10th, participated in the function, which was held by the co-operation of The Asia Foundation Pakistan and the Rays of Development Organization.

The lectures specified in the function were associated to the struggle against Tuberculosis. From the bright upcoming generation, 49 students, 17 teachers and the Principal, Mrs. Khalida Qasim, showed the grace with her presence in the function. Both the organizations were provided with the freedom to give lectures and to guide the students with liberty, about these dangerous diseases.

These organizations have combined and taken the responsibility on their shoulders to guide the students to lead a hale and hearty life as HEALTH IS WEALTH.

From Rays of Development Organization, Ferhan Mazher, Chairman of The Rays of Development Organization, Madam Rosy Dewan, Nadeem Samuel and Imran Mazher and from the Asia Foundation Pakistan Mohammad Asif the social mobilizer, showed their crucial company in the function.

The lines written on the slogans were justified and discussed in detail by both the organizations. The first slogan was that Tuberculosis is curable. Mohammad Asif answered several questions to make the conceptions of the students obvious.
The questions were as following:

1. What is Tuberculosis?
Ans: It is the disease of lungs but on certain conditions it can also effect other organs of the body.
2. Can Tuberculosis spread its viruses?
Ans: Yes, it can spread it viruses when an infected patient spits, coughs or sneezes.
3. What are the symptoms of Tuberculosis?
Ans: Cough prolongs three weeks or even more that that, blood comes in the spit, normally the patient suffers from temperature and the weight reduces.
4. Where can be Tuberculosis diagnosed?
Ans: It can be diagnosed from a nearby Hospital, Health and Tuberculosis Center. To diagnose the disease the spit test is taken.
5. How can it be cured?
Ans: There is no need to get worried because National Tuberculosis Control program is started and World Health Organization has started a program named DOTS (directly observed therapy short course), due to which the patient should without any delay refer to these programs and they will provide him with a special tablets which he has to take for 8 months on a regular basis.
6. Where can is this medicine available?
Ans: This medicine is available at almost every medical store or hospital and in the Government hospitals, it is provided without any financial restriction.

Nadeem Samuel shared his understanding with the undergraduates. He told the students about the important steps that are to be taken.
The patient should not give unnecessary gaps in taking the medicine and the medicine should be taken with the proper management of time.
A responsible man should become his caretaker or guardian.
The members of his family should not neglect him or send him somewhere else for the treatment. They should have a friendly and caring attitude towards him to bring some hope in his life.
Breast Feeding is harmless even when a woman is afflicted by this disease.
The Disease of Tuberculosis is curable and for the best result one has to take the medicine for 8 months and he has to be punctual in doing so without any delay. He should also consult a specialist for a regular check up to show the progress in his reports. Without the doctor's suggestion he should not discontinue the medicine.


Mr. Nadeem Samuel added that the man who is suffering of this disease should make the proper use of handkerchief while coughing, sneezing and spitting; as it can be effective in the open environment and can become the cause of annoyance in the lives of others.

At the end of the function juices were distributed amongst the students, by Madam Rosy Dewan and Imran Mazher. The Madam Principal, Mrs. Khalida Qasim thanked both organizations for providing the younger generation with knowledge and for inculcating in their minds the awareness due to which they can lead a happy and healthy life in the society.

Mr. Ferhan Mazher thanked Mrs. Khalida Qasim for providing them with a chance to interrelate with the students directly and provide them with the awareness of the bitter realities (diseases) of life, but when faced with courage and determination, then they become no less then the rotting buildings which can fall at anytime.



Report Recommended by:
Mr. Ferhan Mazher,
Chairman
(Rays of Development Organization).

Fight TB with the massive weapon of Knowledge.

Fight for the Right Cause with the Massive Weapon of Knowledge.

(The Asia Foundation (TAF) and Rays of Development Organization’s (ROD) joint venture to fight against the cure and prevention of TB)

Written by: Khadijah Shah (Rays of Development Organization)


On the 10th June, at 9:00 am, at Sargodha Catholic School, Sargodha, classes 9th and 10th participated in the function, which was held by the co-operation of the Asia Foundation Pakistan, and the Rays of Development Organization, Sargodha.

The lectures specified in the function were associated to the struggle against Tuberculosis, Sixty Two (62) students were accompanied by 4 teachers, and the Principal Brother Shanti, attended the function. Both the organizations were provided with the freedom to give lectures and to guide the students with liberty, about these dangerous diseases.

This is the first course function held by these two organizations and their basic purpose is, to guide the students of Schools about these diseases. The similar chain of events is to be carried on afterwards in 6 big Schools in Sargodha to inculcate awareness in the minds of the listeners especially students. In the issue of Schools, both organizations merge to show the best consequences in this good cause. As far as the Government Schools are concerned, The Asia Foundation (TAF) Pakistan has taken the responsibility on its shoulders to guide the students to lead a healthy life as HEALTH IS WEALTH.

From the Rays of Development Organization Rosy Dewan, Nadeem Samuel and Imran Mazher and from The Asia Foundation Pakistan Mohammad Asif and Miss Sana, the social activists, showed their vital presence in the function.

The lines written on the slogans were justified and discussed in detail by both of the NGOs. The first slogan was that Tuberculosis is curable. Miss Sana answered several questions to make the conceptions of the students clear.
The questions were as following:

1. What is Tuberculosis?
Ans: It is the disease of lungs but on certain conditions it can also effect the other organs of the body.
2. Can Tuberculosis spread its viruses?
Ans: Yes, it can spread it viruses when an infected patient spits, coughs or sneezes.
3. What are the symptoms of Tuberculosis?
Ans: Cough prolongs three weeks or even more that that, blood comes in the spit, normally the patient suffers from temperature and the weight reduces.
4. Where can be Tuberculosis diagnosed?
Ans: It can be diagnosed from a nearby Hospital, Health and Tuberculosis Center. To diagnose the disease the spit test is taken.
5. How can it be cured?
Ans: There is no need to get worried because National Tuberculosis Control program is started and World Health Organization has started a program named DOTS (directly observed therapy short course), due to which the patient should without any delay refer to these programs and they will provide him with a special medicine which he has to take for 8 months regularly.
6. Where can is this medicine available?
Ans: This medicine is available at almost every medical store or hospital and in the Government hospitals, it is provided without any financial restriction.

After her, spoke Nadeem Samuel, to share his knowledge with the undergraduates. He told the students about what things are to be kept in mind.
The patient should not give unnecessary gaps in taking the medicine and the medicine should be taken with the proper management of time.
A responsible man should become his caretaker or guardian.
The members of his family should not neglect him or send him somewhere else for the treatment. They should have a friendly and caring attitude towards him to bring some hope in his life.
Breast Feeding is harmless even when a woman is afflicted by this disease.
The Disease of Tuberculosis is curable and for the best result one has to take the medicine for 8 months and he has to be punctual in doing so without any delay. He should also consult a specialist for a regular check up to show the progress in his reports. Without the doctor's suggestion he should not discontinue the medicine.

Mr. Nadeem Samuel added that the man who is suffering from this disease should make the proper use of handkerchief while coughing, sneezing and spitting; as it can be effective in the open environment and can become the cause of annoyance in the lives of others.
In the end of the function Lays chips and the packets of juices were distributed amongst the students, by Mohammad Asif and Imran Mazher. The Principal of Sargodha Catholic High School, Sargodha, Brother Shanti thanked both organizations for providing the younger generation with knowledge and for inculcating in their minds the awareness due to which they can lead a happy and healthy life in the society.

Spokesmen of both the organizations, namely TAF and ROD thanked Brother Shanti for providing us a chance to interact with the students directly and provide them with the awareness of the bitter realities (diseases) of life, but when faced with courage and determination, then they become no less then the dead mosquitoes.



Report Recommended by:
Mr. Ferhan Mazher,
Chairman,
(Rays of Development Organization).

Move forth by creating a chain against Ignorance about HIV/AIDS.

Move forth by creating a chain against Ignorance about HIV/AIDS and STDs.
Written by: KHADIJAH SHAH (RAYS OF DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION)

Sargodha,Pakistan: The severe impact of the AIDS' pandemic on families, communities and economies is commonly acknowledged by scientists, the media and politicians the world over. However, more than 25 years later the losses remain stark: AIDS continues to kill almost 6000 people each day and more than 2 out of 3 HIV positive people still lack access to treatment. During 2007 some 2.5 million people became newly infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIVAIDS do so before they are 25 and are killed by HIV/AIDS before they are 35.

While women make up an increasing proportion of those living with HIV/AIDA and bear a greater burden of care, current HIV/AIDS responses do not tackle the violation of women’s rights - a key driver of the pandemic.

The Global Aids Week of Action was celebrated all over the world by NGOs. In Pakistan it was warmly celebrated. In Sargodha, on 24-05-08, venue Red Light Area Chungi No: 12, Sargodha, the event took place and candles were lit in the remembrance of those who passed away due to this disease.

The event of Aids Week of Action was organized by Apacha Pakistan, Action Aid, SHEED Society Sargodha, Youth Group of Red Light Area Sargodha and the Rays of Development Organization. In this event the Chief Guest was the Union Nazim Riyasat Sikander Hayat. Khalid Gujar of SHEED org gave a start to the function. He enlightened that this specific Week is being celebrated all over the world as well as in many divisions of Pakistan. He proceeded that we should be concerned with those who are tormented from this fatal disease, Aids, and we should save other people from becoming a component of this high risk disease.

SHEED Org is running the project of Netherlands Embassy and they facilitate them in doing so. They have a group who are putting their effort in behavior counseling of female sex workers. They are also creating awareness in female members of society, about HIV/AIDS and STD (sexually transmitted disease).

With the help of Netherlands Embassy they have thought of opening a school in Red Light Area. It will not be a common school as it will be a part of Multi Media just like Hi Tec, which will endow its students with the awareness of such diseases so that our coming generations should have proper defense against them. It is said that agitation and campaigning can play an important role in this school. It was announced in the function that the Rays of Development Org will run this school. It inauguration will take place in July and the classes will set in motion from Prep and Nursery.

From the Rays of Development Org, the members were Imran Mazher, Nadeem Samuel and Umm-e-Rubab, SHEED Org’s activist Khalid Gujar, Youth Group of Red Light Area’s Chairman, Safdar Hussain and in public from 50-60 people of Red Light Area attended the function. The Union Nazim and the members of Rays of Development one by one lit candles. The Union Nazim then ended the programme giving a concluding speech. He thanked all the NGOs who participated in this great cause. He assured them that the local government will cooperate with them and facilitate them in each and every step. He said that such programmes should be held to assist those who are afflicted due to lack of knowledge and awareness.

Report Recommended by: Ferhan Mazher (Chairman of Rays Of Development).

Sordid Drainage system of Pakistan (Survey by ROD)

Sordid Drainage system of Pakistan

Written by; Ms Khadijah Shah (ROD)

The water is polluted due to addition of chemical material of organic and inorganic nature. It is because of agricultural and industrial activities expansion. There are issues of solid waste management, disposal of medical, toxic, hospital waste, dumping of industrial and domestic effluent into the sea, smoldering garbage dumps, power plants, noise and air Pollution, water contamination, discharge of gases and chemicals from industries, cutting trees, elimination of mangroves along coastal lines and coastal erosion which should be taken in great consideration. Our drinking water is unsafe, and our factories are continuously releasing harmful by-products and discharging various types of effluents in our rivers and sea while thousands of vehicles throughout the cities continuously emit smoke, but conviction of the offenders is still a far cry.

I would like to draw the attention of the authorities to the unhygienic conditions in several places of Pakistan. Anyone who visits them can feel the need for having better arrangements for their cleanliness. There are malodorous rubbish heaps to be seen here and there in the streets with flies hovering over them causing and dispersing diseases.

Then there are puddles of muck outside the houses, providing appropriate conditions for the generation of mosquitoes on them, causing malaria that is a common disease here.

Tons of garbage and rubbish are dumped underground. This causes insanitary. The solid waste blocks the main sewage, resulting into the blockage of the main drainage and eventually the dirty water starts leaking out. Such areas filled with garbage hills need immediate cleaning. During the rainy season situation gets critical with outbreaks of cholera and other seasonal epidemics.

With more roads with swarming traffic and aircrafts’ traffic, the atmosphere is further polluted.
With enormous increase in the population, need of sanitation facilities, houses, roads and other facilities gets momentum, resulting into heaps of garbage, shrinking the jungle territories and deficiency of clean drinking water.

According to Dr. Hassan Murtaza Shah (M.B.B.S), sewage waste which is often left off the road by sanitary workers which contains pathogenic bacteria that cause diseases like typhoid, typhus, cholera and hepatitis. Soon that waste desiccates and turns into dust and enters into our houses making them polluted and unhygienic.This dust can infect breathing passages, reduce lungs' working capacity, and causing dyspneic, pain when inhaling deeply, wheezing, and coughing. It can cause eye and nose irritation and it dries out the protective membranes of the nose and throat and interferes with the body’s ability to fight infection, increasing susceptibility to illness. The dirty stagnant water had increased the number of cholera and measles patients. He said out of every 100 patients, 20 had measles, while 15 were affected by cholera. He also told us about the case of a 5 year old girl Sara Ilyas, who died due to the disease Cholera. This disease caught hold of this innocent victim because her surrounding and atmosphere was full of pollution. The gutter system was not proper their and was not cleaned regularly.

Mohammad Javed, a paramedic and a child specialist, said out of every 10 child patients, six suffered from cholera.

Hafiz Muhammad Anwer of Jhang Batir said his six children and brothers were suffering from measles and held the stagnant dirty water responsible for diseases. He said his children could not go to school. Hafiz Shaukat Ali of Kund said his parents were sick but he could not manage to take them to hospital because of the dirty stagnant water. He said he had to hire a rickshaw to cover just 30 feet distance to reach his doorstep from the road. These people tried to ask help from the Government but no one had paid attention to their pleas.

There should be proper arrangements for the regular removal of rubbish from the street. The rubbish trucks or carriages of the Corporation should carry it away daily. There should be arrangements for proper drainage of dirty water from the streets. The waste filthy black water should not be left on the streets as it is very harmful and the streets should be kept neat and clean. Proper steps should be taken as soon as possible to prove that Pakistan is in true sense a clean, “PAKEEZA” ( Pious, flawless and without blemish) country.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Data /Information collected and compiled by ROD Fact Finding Team comprising of;

Jawad Mazhar, Nadeem Samuel, Adil Naseem, Adnan Saeed, Imran Mazher and Ms Khadijah Shah

Special Thanks to;

Dr. Hassan Murtaza Shah
(M.B.B.S)

Mohammad Javed
(Paramedic & Child Specialist)

Recommended by;

Mr Ferhan Mazher,

(Chairman)

‘Rays of Development Organization’, Sargodha, Pakistan

www.RaysOfDevelopment.Org

JawadMazhar.BlogSpot.Com

00923216012462, 00923068989406

(Compiled by: Jawad Mazhar (ROD)