HANDS is one of the Not for Profit organizations working in social sector since 1979 to develop the communities to meet the challenges of 21st century. Its mission is “to provide basic health services, primary education, income generation opportunities and development of institutions to empower the underprivileged communities”. HANDS is benefiting more than 2 million population of 5000 villages in districts Hyderabad, Sanghar, Badin, Thatta, Matiari and Karachi Rural.

During 2004 – 2005 HANDS focused to develop the institution both at organization and at grass root levels. It’s a bitter fact that 40% population of Pakistan lives below poverty line and 40% population have no access to health.

Pakistan placed at 142nd position among 177 countries in Human Development Index facing serious threat in human development sector. This poorly developed human resource is the fundamental reason of all the evils in developing countries i.e. from poor governance to corruption which lead to poor health, education and increase in poverty. Considering the fact “the low human development status”, HANDS demonstrable models bring solutions that are more applicable, organized and integral. HANDS anticipating the need of capacity building and community development in 21st century established Institute of Community Development to empower and strengthen the NGOs, COs, Govt. departments (District & Provincial) and promote health, education and alleviate poverty.

During the year, total 1799 trainings were conducted in which 32216 different community-based project implementers were trained including Community Midwives, Community Health Attendants, Community Organizers (all women), community teachers, Govt. teachers, lady health workers, female adolescents in entrepreneurship skills, and members of Community Organizations both men and women, members of School Tawana Committee, School Management Committees, and Women Literacy Committees. In addition HANDS also organized 14 trainings for 314 doctors and paramedics regarding the quality care management in family planning services, in four districts of Sindh.

During 2004 – 2005 HANDS achieved a milestone when one of its Community Midwifery Training Schools (Taluka Hala district Hyderabad) was recognized by Sindh Nursing Education Board (SNEB). HANDS Community Midwives appeared in SNEB exam and HANDS Midwifery Training School Hala achieved Third Position. During this period, HANDS’ health team developed training manuals for Community Health Attendants and Community Midwives in Urdu which was later endorsed by a renowned obstetrician Prof. Shershah Syed.