Every kilometre the Truck of Life drives shortens the distance between pain and care for a family who had no one to call.

This new “Picture of the Day” shows you the “Truck of Life”, our vital medical vehicle that more often traverses the rugged terrains of East Sumba than rests in a garage. While it may lack appeal and comfort — it is usually noisy, hot, and dusty — it is within this mobile clinic that lives are genuinely saved.
At first glance, it looks like a simple white 4×4. However, inside, it is fitted with an examination bed, essential medicines and dressings, IV fluids, an ultrasound machine, basic laboratory equipment, and provisions such as food and water. Sometimes, it even carries construction materials for water tanks. This versatile truck functions as a mobile clinic, pharmacy, and compact logistics hub, efficiently arranged within limited space.

Thanks to this vehicle, we can reach remote villages that lack doctors, electricity, and pharmacies, often with roads that are scarcely deserving of the name. Families arrive with their feverish children, untreated wounds, and unmonitored pregnancies. Here, we listen, examine, treat, vaccinate, and educate. We apply dressings, administer antibiotics, rehydrate children, and monitor unborn babies.

The “Truck of Life” also brings tools to prevent future crises. From delivering medical kits to Kawan Sehat health agents and educational posters about malaria, HIV, and substance abuse, to distributing bags of rice and tools for Water Connections projects. We collect blood and water samples when needed, and engage with the community to highlight the importance of clean water and basic hygiene.

Regrettably, each visit leaves some patients unattended. Yet, with each return, the sound of our engine is met with smiles of relief. This truck may not solve every problem, but in East Sumba, it often turns suffering without aid into receiving vital care.

We owe much of our success to Swiss expertise in the field and the unwavering support of the Fair Future Foundation and Kawan Baik Indonesia, which have dedicated 16 years to this cause.

Today, the 12th of January 2025 – Alex Wettstein

List of Related Organisations with Hyperlinks

• Médecins Sans Frontières: Operates mobile clinics and outreach care in crisis zones around the world, providing emergency health services to communities that cannot access a hospital.
• International Committee of the Red Cross: Supports healthcare services and safe access to care in conflict and remote areas, including field hospitals and medical transportation.
• World Health Organisation – Primary Health Care: Promotes strong primary health care systems as the first line of defence for vulnerable populations living far from hospitals.
• UNICEF – Health programmes: Strives to reach children in remote regions with vaccines, nutrition, and essential medical services through community and outreach initiatives.
• Rotary International: A global service organisation supporting humanitarian projects such as medical trucks, vaccination campaigns, and community health programmes.
• Malaria Partners International: Collaborates with Rotary clubs and local partners to strengthen malaria prevention and treatment in high-burden regions through community-based projects.