In 2003, REACH had the distinction of being the first NGO in India to receive grants from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) through its Round 1 funding mechanism. One of our objectives was to build and nurture partnerships with various stakeholders- private practitioners, laboratories, and members of society.

Private physicians and laboratories have a role in proper treatment and care, as well as diagnosis, and REACH trained them in patient care, counselling and education. Members of society- homemakers, teachers, tailors, vendors- were also encouraged to become DOTS providers, which meant that they were responsible ensuring that the patient took his medication. Many DOTS providers also voluntarily became local ambassadors for TB.

This project also allowed us to adopt innovations culture like street theatre, take part in exhibitions and trade fairs, negotiate for airtime in local radio and television, and use print collaterals to raise tuberculosis awareness in Chennai.