Together against Tuberculosis in the slums, Mumbai

Dear Donors,
tuberculosis remains one of the most serious public health challenges in India, particularly in densely populated urban slums where poverty, overcrowding and malnutrition create the ideal conditions for the disease to spread. For many families living in the slums of Mumbai, tuberculosis is not only a health issue but also a social and economic burden. Long treatment periods often prevent adults from working regularly, reducing household income and making it even harder to access nutritious food, an essential element for recovery.

Through our partnership with Lok Seva Sangam (LSS), Aleimar continues to support children and families affected by tuberculosis. The project provides regular monitoring of patients, food rations, nutritional supplements and ongoing support throughout the treatment process, helping families regain strength and improve their chances of recovery.

This year also marks a very special milestone for our local partner. Lok Seva Sangam celebrated its Golden Jubilee, commemorating 50 years of dedicated service to some of the most vulnerable communities in Mumbai. For five decades, LSS has been a source of hope and dignity, working tirelessly in healthcare, education, community development, tuberculosis treatment, and leprosy awareness. This anniversary is not only a celebration of past achievements but also a renewed commitment to building healthier and more resilient communities in the years ahead.

Another important moment took place on World Tuberculosis Day, celebrated on March 24. Since 2003, Lok Seva Sangam has been actively implementing tuberculosis prevention and treatment programs, reaching thousands of patients across Mumbai. To mark the occasion, LSS organized a community Walkathon in Mumbai, bringing together residents, healthcare professionals, former patients and local organizations to raise awareness about tuberculosis and reduce the stigma often associated with the disease.

A special recognition ceremony was also held for TB Champions and Peer Motivators, individuals who successfully completed treatment and chose to share their experiences with others currently facing the disease. Their testimonies serve as a powerful source of encouragement, showing patients and families that recovery is possible with proper treatment, nutrition and support. By sharing their journeys, these survivors help build confidence and encourage others to seek medical assistance.

The fight against tuberculosis cannot be won through medical treatment alone. Adequate nutrition, community awareness and social support are all essential elements in helping patients recover and preventing new infections.

Thank you for standing with us and with all those working toward a future free from tuberculosis.

Dear Donors,
during the Christmas period, a monitoring trip took place thanks to the collaboration with Frame Project. This mission was an important opportunity to closely observe the activities carried out and to strengthen collaboration with our local partner, Lok Seva Sangam (LSS), whose work remains essential in supporting some of the most vulnerable families in Mumbai.

A central pillar of the project is the assistance provided to families affected by tuberculosis. Lok Seva Sangam ensures access to proper medical care and continuous follow-up for each patient. To support this work, there is a dedicated office, equipped with two operators, a computer and a printer, as well as a storage area for food supplies. Here, sacks of rice and single-portion food packages containing rice and lentils (daal) are prepared and distributed. Each family receives 12 food packages per month, ensuring a basic but vital nutritional support throughout the TB treatment period. For every patient, medical treatments and follow-up visits are carefully recorded in a personal register, allowing for precise monitoring of therapy adherence and health conditions.

During the visit, we also took part in the activities of the mobile clinic van managed by Lok Seva Sangam. This mobile unit reaches different neighborhoods of Mumbai and provides essential healthcare services directly within the communities. On the day of our visit, two doctors and a physiotherapist were present, examining patients and prescribing medications. Many people were waiting in line, highlighting the strong demand for accessible medical care in these areas. Currently, the mobile clinic operates once a week, as the limited availability of medical staff does not allow for more frequent visits. Despite this constraint, the service represents a crucial lifeline for people who would otherwise struggle to access healthcare facilities.

In addition to tuberculosis care, Lok Seva Sangam also manages dedicated spaces for the assistance of people affected by leprosy. These centers function as points of medical support, food distribution and social assistance. Here as well, food kits containing rice and daal are distributed and a detailed monitoring system tracks each individual requesting help. The majority of beneficiaries are people living with leprosy, often facing severe stigma and social exclusion. On the walls of these centers, educational posters in Hindi explain the main characteristics of the disease, diagnostic tools, and available treatments, contributing to awareness and early detection.

Through medical care, nutritional support and follow-up, the project in collaboration with Lok Seva Sangam continues to offer concrete help to families affected by tuberculosis and leprosy, improving their health conditions and dignity in extremely challenging contexts.
Your support makes this ongoing commitment possible and we thank you for standing with us and with those who need it most.