Strengthening Collaboration to Expand Lifesaving Medical Care Across Remote and Underserved Regions of Sumba.
The partnership between Fair Future Foundation and East Sumba Health Services brings critical healthcare to the most isolated communities.
On October 7, we were honoured to meet with the leadership of East Sumba Health Services to present the Primary Medical Care program for the third time. This meeting was unique because it was not focused on presenting an idea but rather on strengthening a partnership and reaffirming our mutual commitment to providing access to healthcare to some of the region’s most remote and underserved communities.
The presentation had a significant impact, and the whole team of Kawan Sehat health workers, doctors, and nurses were in attendance. Kawan Sehat workers shared their ideas and first-hand experiences, demonstrating how their efforts transform lives. Their stories resonated deeply with the eight Puskesmas directors and the provincial health department leadership.
This partnership signifies a new beginning together. Working with the government, we are working to significantly increase the number of Kawan Sehat health workers across the region. Our goal is simple: to provide essential health services to every district and village, especially those isolated due to inadequate infrastructure, system failures, and shortages of resources such as doctors, medicines, and information.
“This collaboration is about more than healthcare. It’s about saving lives and offering hope where it’s needed most, in the heart of rural Sumba.”
– Alex Wettstein, CEO and Founder of Fair Future
The Primary Medical Care program is revolutionary in its approach and almost unique worldwide. It provides “ordinary people” with training in health care over several days, enabling them to save lives. These health workers provide a vital support system for thousands of families without access to essential health services.
The dining room of the small local restaurant that hosted us for this day – one of the only ones in Waingapu – was warm, not only because it was over 40 degrees but because everyone was eagerly awaiting the opportunity to collaborate on this significant project. We are thrilled with the enthusiasm and support we have seen so far, but it is essential that the government remains actively engaged. This endeavour requires a collaborative effort, not just a one-sided commitment. We expect their involvement in every facet of our work: training, care delivery, and critical material and financial support. Watch the film from the training week (September 2024) of 21 Kawan Sehat health workers here on YouTube.
We are delighted to present a gallery of images that encapsulate the essence of this day: the presentations, the discussions, and the first steps towards creating a vital collaboration to save lives. These photos illustrate the beginning of a partnership to provide lifesaving care to individuals, families, and communities where access to health care remains limited.
We cordially invite all captivated by this story to explore our photo gallery, witness this extraordinary effort, and further engage with our mission through our Instagram account.
Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu – The 15th of Ocotber 2024
