Nutritional Support for 60 TB Patients Under the Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative

Shibganj Integrated Development Society (SIDS) is a grassroots, non-profit organization established in 2005 and based in the remote Sundarbans region of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. SIDS works to improve the lives of vulnerable communities through initiatives in health, education, women’s empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, agriculture, environmental conservation, disaster relief, and child development. The organization focuses particularly on women, children, rural poor families, adolescents, persons with disabilities, and unemployed youth.

Over the last two decades, SIDS has expanded from working in just two villages to supporting numerous communities across the Sundarbans. Its major interventions include promoting sustainable agriculture for food security, organizing vocational and handicraft training for women and youth, providing computer and skill-development education, supporting the education of disadvantaged children, improving reproductive and adolescent health awareness, promoting menstrual hygiene, and conducting environmental conservation programs. During crises such as COVID-19 and cyclones like Amphan and Yaas, SIDS distributed relief materials, ration kits, and essential supplies to affected families. The organization has also installed drinking-water facilities and conducted awareness campaigns on health, sanitation, and biodiversity conservation.

Through these efforts, SIDS has strengthened community resilience, enhanced livelihood opportunities, improved health awareness, increased educational access, and empowered women and youth across the climate-vulnerable Sundarbans region, helping communities build a safer and more sustainable future.

Shibganj Integrated Development Society is launching this campaign to provide nutritional support to 50 tuberculosis (TB) patients from economically weaker families in Pathar Pratima Block, located in the fragile and remote region of the Sundarbans.

TB remains a major public health challenge, especially among low-income households. While medicines are available through government programs, many patients struggle to maintain a nutritious diet during their treatment. Proper nutrition is essential for strengthening immunity, improving treatment adherence, reducing complications, and supporting faster recovery. In Pathar Pratima, many families depend on irregular daily wages, fishing, or seasonal labor, making it difficult to afford nutritious food. Loss of income due to illness further worsens their situation, increasing the risk of malnutrition and treatment interruption.

At this stage, raising funds is crucial to ensure that vulnerable TB patients receive the nutritional support they need throughout their treatment period. Without adequate nutrition, patients may face delayed recovery, reduced effectiveness of treatment, and greater financial hardship.

The donations received through this campaign will be used exclusively to procure and distribute nutritious food kits to 50 TB patients. These kits will include essential food items such as pulses, protein-rich foods, cereals, edible oil, and other nutritional supplements recommended supporting TB recovery. The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Ni-kshay Mitra program, which encourages community participation in supporting TB patients beyond medical treatment.

The expected outcome of this campaign is improved nutritional status, better treatment adherence, enhanced recovery rates, and reduced vulnerability among beneficiaries. By ensuring regular access to nutritious food, the project will help patients complete their treatment successfully and regain their health with dignity. The funds will enable Shibganj Integrated Development Society to strengthen community support for TB care and create a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable families in the Sundarbans.