Jeevan Rekha Project – A Lifeline of Care, Continuity, and Compassion
Project Name: Jeevan Rekha (Meaning: Lifeline)
Project Dates: Jan 2019 – Dec 2021
Focus Area: Health Support, Care Continuity, Crisis Response
Implemented by: Brighter Future Development Trust (BFDT)
Geographical Coverage: Andhra Pradesh and Odisha
Target Groups: People affected by chronic illness, HIV/AIDS, TB, disability, and extreme vulnerability

Introduction: When Survival Needs a Lifeline
For individuals living with chronic illness, severe health conditions, or social abandonment, survival often depends not on a single intervention—but on consistent, timely, and compassionate support.
The Jeevan Rekha Project was initiated by Brighter Future Development Trust as a lifeline program—designed to ensure that vulnerable individuals do not fall through gaps in healthcare, social systems, or family support.
Jeevan Rekha exists for moments when life is fragile, systems fail, and people need someone to stand with them until stability is restored.

Why the Jeevan Rekha Project Was Needed
BFDT’s fieldwork revealed recurring crises faced by vulnerable populations:
Interrupted medical treatment due to poverty
Inability to access hospitals or diagnostics
Lack of caregivers during acute illness
Missed ART or TB treatment leading to deterioration
Social abandonment during critical health phases
These gaps often turned treatable conditions into life-threatening situations.
Jeevan Rekha was created to provide continuity of care during critical periods.

Who the Jeevan Rekha Project Serves
The project supports individuals who are:
Living with HIV/AIDS, TB, or chronic illnesses
Experiencing acute health crises
Persons with disabilities requiring sustained care
Socially abandoned or without family support
Economically unable to continue treatment
Priority is given to cases where interruption of care could be fatal.

Core Objectives of the Jeevan Rekha Project
To ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare
To support individuals during critical illness phases
To prevent treatment dropouts
To provide emotional reassurance during crises
To bridge gaps between communities and health systems

Key Interventions Under Jeevan Rekha
1. Treatment Continuity and Medical Support
Jeevan Rekha ensures:
Support for diagnostic tests and follow-ups
Assistance in accessing ART, TB, and other treatments
Monitoring of treatment adherence
Referral and escort services to hospitals
This prevents relapse, complications, and avoidable loss of life.

2. Crisis Care and Emergency Support
During acute phases of illness, the project provides:
Immediate support during medical emergencies
Short-term care assistance
Coordination with healthcare providers
Stabilization support until recovery or referral
Jeevan Rekha acts as a first responder when no one else is available.

3. Caregiver and Emotional Support
Illness is not only physical. Jeevan Rekha addresses emotional needs through:
Counseling and reassurance
Presence during hospitalization
Support to reduce fear and isolation
Compassionate accompaniment during difficult moments
This human connection often becomes a critical factor in recovery.

4. Support for the Economically Vulnerable
Poverty often interrupts care. The project supports:
Transport for treatment access
Basic nutrition during illness
Linkages to welfare schemes
Temporary assistance to stabilize livelihoods
This ensures health crises do not push families deeper into poverty.

5. Linkages with BFDT Care Ecosystem
Jeevan Rekha works in close coordination with:
Hospice services
Residential care homes
BHAROSA and REACH ME initiatives
Government and NGO health networks
This integrated approach ensures no individual is left unsupported.

Approach and Care Philosophy
Jeevan Rekha is guided by:
Timeliness: Support when it is most needed
Continuity: Care that does not stop midway
Compassion: Treating people with dignity
Non-discrimination: Care without judgment
Responsiveness: Adapting to evolving needs
The project values presence as much as provision.

Impact and Significance
Through Jeevan Rekha, BFDT has:
Prevented treatment discontinuation
Supported recovery during critical illness
Reduced mortality risk among vulnerable individuals
Restored trust in healthcare systems
Provided hope during moments of despair
While numbers may not capture every outcome, lives saved and suffering reduced define its impact.

Why the Jeevan Rekha Project Matters
Jeevan Rekha proves that:
Healthcare access must be continuous, not episodic
Crisis care requires human connection
The poorest should not be denied survival
Compassion can be lifesaving
It represents BFDT’s commitment to stand by people when life is most fragile.

Looking Ahead
BFDT seeks to strengthen Jeevan Rekha by:
Expanding crisis response capacity
Deepening hospital partnerships
Enhancing follow-up and monitoring systems
Integrating care with long-term rehabilitation
The vision is to ensure no life is lost due to lack of support.