Acting Now…
Community trainings on malaria, hygiene and safe water
Malaria continues to pose a daily threat in this area. Through Kawan Against Malaria, we monitor cases, test all fevers, protect homes, and educate families. The use of bed nets, spraying, and prompt treatment turns statistical data into lives that endure quietly, rather than ending prematurely.
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Visual field reports documenting medical care, disease prevention, water access, logistics and emergency response in ultra-rural Indonesia. Photos and short films produced by our teams show real conditions, methods and measurable health impact, aligned with WHO principles and community-based care.
The Stories & Communication category translates field medicine into clear, truthful narratives. It shares case realities, community voices, and operational context behind our programs, without sensationalism. Articles explain why prevention, logistics, and long-term follow-up matter, using simple language grounded in clinical facts. This section supports health education, transparency, and trust, aligning communication with WHO principles on risk communication and community engagement. Every story is built from observed events, verified data, and respect for patients and families, including what worked and what failed.
Fair Future is committed to impartial, independent humanitarian work. Through programs like #PrimaryMedicalCare and #WaterConnections, we bring essential healthcare, clean water, and education to ultra-rural communities. Our independence from political, economic, and religious interests ensures that every action is driven by the true needs of the people we serve.
Embark on a profound journey alongside Rambu Mirna as she courageously battles malaria in the heart of remote East Sumba, where healthcare is a distant dream. Dive into the remarkable story of resilience and hope, and discover how Fair Future Foundation’s #ZeroMalaria initiative is not just saving lives but also transforming entire communities. Join us in this life-changing narrative of overcoming adversity and restoring futures in the most isolated corners of Indonesia.
Fair Future, in partnership with Kawan Baik, is taking revolutionary strides to resolve the critical water shortage in Tanambanas. This groundbreaking initiative employs innovative ferrocement technology to build durable, cost-effective water reservoirs. More than just a construction project, this initiative is a lifeline for an ultra-rural community, catalyzing improved health, poverty reduction, and ensuring the fundamental human right to clean water.
Championing the #ZeroMalaria Cause: Fair Future’s Tireless Efforts in Sumba East. This image reflects our unwavering commitment to the #ZeroMalaria cause. Together, we’re illuminating a path to a malaria-free future. Each test, done twice for accuracy, symbolises hope in the fight against malaria. Our teams also collect essential socio-medical data to track progress.
In the heart of one of Indonesia’s poorest and most disadvantaged regions, as well as one of the highest malaria prevalence areas in the world, Fair Future, in collaboration with Kawan Baik and Sumba Volunteer, is waging an unrelenting battle against the deadly scourge of malaria. Under the banner of #ZeroMalaria, this vital campaign is not just about medical intervention; it’s about transforming lives and ensuring every community member has a chance at a healthier future.
The Challenge of Malaria in Sumba East: Sumba East is a region where basic amenities like electricity, clean water, and sanitation facilities are virtually non-existent. Here, people face a daily struggle for survival against malaria and various other infectious diseases. Malaria, in particular, poses a significant threat to the lives of the local population.
Malaria is transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes and can have devastating consequences if left untreated. The disease can rapidly progress from fever and chills to severe anaemia, organ failure, and even death. Vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and children, are at higher risk.
Fair Future’s Double-Testing Approach: Precision is paramount in the battle against malaria. Fair Future’s dedicated medical teams, including doctors, nurses, and laboratory technicians, work tirelessly to ensure that every case is accurately diagnosed and treated.
Our teams conduct tens of thousands of malaria tests, and each test is done twice – once using rapid diagnostic tests and another through blood tests analyzed using microscopes, all performed directly in the field. This rigorous double-testing approach ensures the highest level of accuracy, especially in an area where access to modern medical facilities is severely limited.
Collecting Socio-Medical Data: Beyond diagnosis and treatment, Fair Future recognises the importance of comprehensive data collection to guide its efforts. The captivating photo accompanying this article shows our teams diligently gathering socio-medical data from every family member and villager. This data is entered into Fair Future’s proprietary application, meticulously developed and funded by the organisation. The application serves as a crucial tool for tracking and tracing the regions where we implement the #ZeroMalaria program.
The Urgent Need for #ZeroMalaria: It’s important to remember that malaria remains a significant threat in regions like Sumba East, where people continue to lose their lives to this preventable and treatable disease. Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable.
The #ZeroMalaria program represents a lifeline for these communities, providing medical care, education, and awareness about malaria prevention. Fair Future is committed to ensuring that no one in Sumba East loses their life to malaria, and your support is instrumental in achieving this goal.
In closing, the battle against malaria in East Sumba is ongoing, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Through #ZeroMalaria, Fair Future is determined to change the narrative, transform these communities, and to save lives. Join us in this life-saving mission!
Thank you very much for your support.
Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu,
September 21st, 2023.
This new "picture of the day", shows a 14-year-old young kid suffering from malaria for the second time, whom we have tested twice and is receiving his medical treatment. We explained that he must take these medications every day for fourteen days. We explain why and the risks if he doesn't. A nurse is present and will ensure regular check-ups to ensure everything is going well for him.
The fight against malaria in Sumba is an intense and crucial battle for the population's health. Every positive case, like that of this young man from Lulundilu, Kecermatan Mahu, East Sumba, requires immediate medical intervention and rigorous treatment that extends over a period of 14 days without interruption.
This young man belongs to a large family of seven siblings, all of whom have been affected by malaria before. Although he is fortunate not to have lost any close family members to this disease, it is essential to understand that malaria is wreaking havoc in this region. Our team visited his home and conducted two tests to confirm his infection, first with a rapid test and then with blood tests and microscopic analysis. Both times, the results were positive, indicating that he was carrying the Plasmodium falciparum parasite.
As with all malaria cases, Fair Future takes over the medical treatment. It is crucial that this young man diligently follows his treatment because the risks to his life are extremely high if he does not. That's why we have mobilized staff from the nearest healthcare centre, Puskesmas Mahu, to ensure that he receives his medical treatment appropriately and monitor his progress.
It is important to emphasize that since the beginning of 2023, in Sumba alone, 18 pregnant women have lost their lives due to malaria due to a lack of screening, information, proper medical care, and appropriate treatment. This tragedy highlights the need to strengthen our fight against malaria and ensure equitable access to medical care for all community members.
The Fair Future team remains determined to do everything possible to end this threat to public health and ensure that every individual has access to the necessary medical care to combat malaria and other serious illnesses. Your support and donations are essential for this mission's success and saving lives.
Thank you very much for your support.
Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu,
September 21st, 2023.
“In the heart of Sumba East, a coalition of heroes united for an epic battle against malaria. They embarked on a journey fueled by hope, dedication, and unwavering commitment. However, what set the stage for their triumph was the meticulous preparation that underpinned every step. Discover why this groundwork is not just a step but the very foundation of our mission to eliminate malaria and save lives in the remote and underserved regions of Sumba East. Join us as we explore the monumental role of preparation in our heroic quest.
The image illustrates our ongoing project: the excavation of a septic tank. This is the very first step towards the installation of the first-ever sanitation infrastructure in the village's history. Our goal is to reinforce the health and well-being of the families in this community. In closely associating ourselves with the villagers, a core principle in our approach, we work hand in hand to provide them vital access to water and sanitation facilities, despite their isolation in the eastern part of Sumba.
For several months now, our organizations – Fair Future and Kawan Baik – have favored constructing lightweight steel facilities. This decision is based on hygiene, maintenance, and construction efficiency grounds. The entire structure (in this case, two toilet – shower stalls) is constructed at the Fair Future Foundation’s base camp in Waingapu, called Rumah Kambera. We then transport the dismantled structure to the site of installation. It takes about a week for our team to operationalize an installation like this, followed by one to two weeks dedicated to finishing and aesthetic touch-ups.
In this underprivileged environment, families lack access to basic services, needs such as access to water or electricity are non-existent. During the dry season, when rainwater tanks are almost empty, they must travel miles to collect just a few litres of often unsuitable water. See the related #waterconnections posts here.
In the village of Laindatang, inhabitants have never had the privilege of a working shower or toilet. The enthusiasm and joy are palpable as they witness the construction of these new facilities, bringing them a simple feeling of happiness.
This installation will also contribute to reducing infectious diseases caused by the absence of adequate sanitation facilities in the village. This will likely lead to an increase in the quality of life for the villagers, a reduction in the time spent gathering water, and promote overall community health and well-being. This initiative is more than just building sanitation facilities. It symbolizes the start of a new chapter for Laindatang, signifying change and development towards a healthier community.
Thus, the work of Fair Future and Kawan Baik extends beyond physical construction, promoting progress, health, and hope for the future.
In a concerted effort to fight the endemic scourge of malaria, the Swiss Fair Future Foundation has embarked on an extraordinary mission – the #ZeroMalariaSumbaTimur program. This groundbreaking initiative is taking place in the heart of Southeast Asia, specifically in the remote and underserved eastern expanse of Indonesia known as East Sumba.
Having already screened and treated 2500 individuals across three severely malaria-affected villages in East Sumba, our undertaking is underscored by a tangible impact. This formidable feat, orchestrated through the synergy of committed individuals such as Alandio, Ino, Elthon, Alex, Ayu, Annisa or Ayu, resonates as a testament to unwavering dedication. Over seventy staunch contributors, bolstered by fifty fervent volunteers from diverse corners of Indonesia, assemble with a shared sense of purpose.
Collectively, we have curated a multi-disciplinary team of skilled nurses, physicians, and laboratory specialists, amplifying our medical outreach. This coalition is complemented by clever logistics and data management, facilitated by an innovative application collaboratively developed by the Fair Future and Kawan Baik Foundations.
The core of our effort extends beyond the simple detection of malaria; our priority lies in education and prevention. Empowering communities with knowledge and awareness is our ultimate goal. We disseminate vital information about this dangerous disease through immersive workshops and interactive sessions. Armed with this understanding, individuals cannotntify the symptoms of malaria but also take quick and informed action to avoid potential complications and even death, safeguarding their well-being and others—their relatives.
The tangible impact of this initiative ripples through the lives we touch. Early identification and effective malaria management have resulted in life savings. Additionally, our efforts extend to enlightening local healthcare providers, equipping them with the essential tools and resources for a decisive battle against this relentless disease.
Yet our journey is not free of challenges. Negotiating the region's labyrinthine topography, working with limited resources, and transcending language barriers requires inventive methodologies and a deep sensitivity to indigenous cultures. Establishing a foundation of trust within our communities is an indispensable facet, fostering the adoption of preventive measures and a tendency to seek prompt medical intervention when needed.
We invite you to join our collective effort in the fight against malaria. Hand in hand, we can create a transformative impact, save lives and shape a radiant tapestry of possibility for everyone.
This new "Picture of the Day" shows you the truck climbing the steep slope that leads to the village of Laindatang, which is ultra isolated, where a hundred families live without electricity, water, and very little food. This first truck transports construction materials and healthy sanitary facilities, which our teams have manufactured at the Rumah Kambera base camp.
We're excited to announce a significant milestone in our mission to create a positive impact! Despite facing difficult conditions and encountering broken promises, our unwavering dedication to improving the lives of impoverished villagers has prevailed. After days of arduous road repairs, we are proud to share that a truck laden with essential construction materials has finally reached the remote village of Laindatang. This remarkable achievement, made possible through the unwavering support and resilience of the villagers, marks a crucial step in providing vital resources and support to a community lacking necessities.
The road to the village presented numerous challenges, with its treacherous slopes and slippery terrain. Our team, armed with determination and their bare hands, overcame these obstacles with unwavering resolve. Though we encountered setbacks, including a failed attempt and broken bolts, our determination never wavered.
Two months ago, we were promised assistance by the department responsible for road infrastructure, but regrettably, their support never materialized. Nevertheless, we refused to be deterred from our mission of bringing essential resources and support to the impoverished villagers, who live in extreme poverty, deprived of electricity, clean water, and sanitation facilities – Ref: Water Connections Program here.
Yesterday, as the truck conquered the treacherous slopes, an overwhelming sense of joy and accomplishment washed over us. It was a moment that infused hope and happiness into the previously isolated village of Laindatang. I was moved to tears, knowing that I had dedicated nearly a year of my life to bringing this project to fruition.
In this new "Picture of the Day", we witness the difficulties faced by young children in East Sumba as they search for clean water. These children must travel quite a distance from their homes to reach the kullups (small stone basins dug directly into the rocky terrain by villagers to collect and hold rainwater in rural areas). Unfortunately, it is unlikely to rain for the next nine months, and the children must walk over ten kilometres to obtain just a few litres of water to sustain themselves; kullups are dry now.
Presently, families in Laindatang endure arduous journeys, spanning miles and lasting over 10 hours, to obtain meagre quantities of drinking water. With a daily allocation of fewer than 2 litres per person, individuals must make profound sacrifices as this limited supply must accommodate drinking, eating, personal hygiene, and sanitation needs.
Malaria ravages the village, exacerbating the adverse effects of infectious diseases, particularly among children under five. The urgency of the health crisis necessitates immediate intervention. In collaboration with Kawan Baik and local authorities, Fair Future is committed to launching a comprehensive Water Connections project, addressing the pressing need for clean water in the village with utmost urgency.
Commencing at the end of June 2023, Fair Future embarks on an extraordinary #waterconnections project in Laindatang. This initiative heralds a transformative change and instils immense pride within our organization.
Laindatang residents rely on rainwater collection during the rainy season to meet their clean water requirements. However, limited knowledge and resources impede this method, significantly contaminating water reservoirs. During the dry season, their options are limited to accessing water from the Kulub—an artificial pool nestled within a rock formation—or purchasing tank water from a select few companies.
Regrettably, accessing water becomes increasingly challenging throughout the year, with only a handful of companies willing to deliver to the village. Transport obstacles frequently result in spilt water, further diminishing the already scarce supply upon arrival in Laindatang.
For the villagers, access to clean water is a matter of survival. They currently store rainwater in unclean, contaminated, and hazardous tanks. Though this remaining water sustains them for drinking, eating, and survival, it will be depleted within weeks as the dry season commences. Tragically, this water is tainted, infected, and carries life-threatening diseases such as Malaria, Cholera, Dengue, Typhoid fever, Hepatitis A, and Guinea worm disease. Additionally, prevalent diarrheal diseases like E. coli and rotavirus, caused by contaminated water, pose a severe risk, particularly to children, leading to dehydration and even death.
You have the power to help us realize this vital project, which is indispensable for hundreds of families. If you desire, your generous donation dedicated to the #waterconnections project in the village of Laindatang would be warmly welcomed. We extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all those willing to contribute. With your support, we can bring love, hope, and clean water to the deserving community of Laindatang.
To access information about our implementation, you can download and read the presentation in PDF format by clicking this link.
The teams of Fair Future and Kawan Baik are highly respected for their steadfast dedication to assisting ill and underprivileged individuals residing in far-flung rural areas of eastern Indonesia. Their selflessness holds true significance to them. However, it's not widely known that their medical and social teams put in tireless efforts, even during nighttime and 7-day workweeks. Through this new "Picture of the Day," we offer you the opportunity to witness their work as they combat health issues like malaria, unsafe water, and malnutrition while sacrificing their sleep.
Diseases can strike at any time, even in the darkness of night. The teams, equipped with masks and Sumba coffee, fight against these illnesses. And during this time of the malaria epidemic, doctors, nurses and volunteers are working tirelessly to provide treatment to patients.
Their dedication and passion go above and beyond the call of duty, even working late into the night to provide lifesaving care. They save lives and do so with unwavering energy and enthusiasm.
On the spot, at all hours of the day or night, they not only treat the symptoms, they also attack the root causes of health problems. Fair Future and Kawan Baik foundation fight against diseases related to dirty water by providing facilities through the #waterconnections program and raising awareness in communities about the importance of hygiene. Their mission is to make communities more resilient and prevent diseases before they even appear.
Even when faced with difficult challenges and trying situations, the teams remain resilient and optimistic. Their sense of humor is a crucial component that aids them in overcoming tough times. It also fosters a strong bond between them, enabling them to maintain a positive outlook.
Alex Wettstein shares a few words about the Foundation's medical and social teams, who work tirelessly to help people who are sick or have urgent needs.
Check out the latest addition to our "Photo of the Day" collection featuring our colleague Kawean Essi. In the village of Mbinudita (East Sumba), Kawan Essi teaches a hundred villagers of all ages, including children, about the importance of clean and safe water and how it can lead to a healthier life. The "Water Connections" program is a practical approach to fight against various infectious diseases, such as malaria.
In the fight against malaria, it's essential to acknowledge the progress made. However, we must also recognize the crucial role of hygiene, clean water, and sanitation in eliminating this disease. This is why the Water Connections program exists – to provide access to these necessities.
At Fair Future, we understand that improving these fundamental aspects of daily life can significantly prevent malaria transmission and ultimately save lives. Addressing issues such as hygiene, water, and sanitation is crucial in the fight against malaria because they directly impact mosquito breeding, access to clean water, hygiene practices, and vector management.
We prioritize these issues in all our activities, particularly in implementing the "Malaria Prevention Initiative Sumba Timur 2023" program, which we aim to start as soon as possible as part of the PMC, Primary Medical Care program.
Together, we can dramatically reduce malaria transmission and improve the health and well-being of affected communities. We must prioritize these efforts to save lives, prevent unnecessary suffering, and move towards a significant decrease in malaria cases, especially here in Sumba, where we currently are.
