Rotary International’s Visit to East Sumba Highlights the Critical Work of the Fair Future Foundation in Providing Clean Water, Sanitation Facilities, and Health Care. Witness the Impact of #WaterConnections, #ZeroMalaria, and #PrimaryMedicalCare in Transforming Lives in Rural Communities.
Rotary International visits East Sumba to observe and support the Fair Future Foundation’s efforts to address clean water scarcity, improve sanitation facilities, and combat infectious diseases in rural areas.
Last April, five members of Rotary International visited East Sumba to observe the programs initiated by Fair Future, evaluate their progress, and plan future developments. The focus is on access to clean water and sanitation facilities and the fight against infectious diseases, including malaria, polio, dengue, and dysentery. Our programs like #WaterConnections, #ZeroMalaria, and #KawanSehat are dedicated to preserving life. As a medical foundation, we understand that access to clean water is essential for healing.
On the first day of their visit, we visited the ultra-rural village of Lapinu near Kamanggih, Kahaungu Eti, where we have been active for several years. This village lacks access to clean water and sanitation facilities, resulting in high rates of infectious diseases, dysentery, and malnutrition. Like many other villages in East Sumba, electricity is non-existent, and residents struggle to survive due to a lack of food resources.
Access to the village is complex, requiring off-road vehicles like the #TruckOfLife due to steep, slippery, and rocky dirt paths. The children of Lapinu welcomed us with traditional dances and songs during an emotional ceremony. Alex presented the project to the children and teachers with our Rotary friends in a classroom.
John from Rotary International also addressed the children, and Wahyu and Alex translated. This was John’s second visit here, the first being last July, and Mandi, Bridget, Peter, and Adrian accompanied him. These shared moments were intense and moving. We restocked medicines for our health agents as part of the #PrimaryMedicalCare program. This unique program enables ordinary people to provide first aid, save lives, and prevent the worsening of illnesses or injuries. Katrina, one of our health agents, was delighted to receive these essential medicines to treat, relieve, and even save lives.
Together, we toured the village to witness the lack of water and toilets, making life extremely difficult for the residents. The high prevalence of infectious diseases has further exacerbated the situation.
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 12th of July 2024.
