In Karuku, Ruth and Longa provide care, treat infections, and teach health using washable visual tools.
Ruth and Longa, Kawan Sehat agents, collaborate with Erwin to enhance rural healthcare in remote Karuku village.
Nestled away in the remote village of Karuku, medical professionals are a distant luxury. In this setting, Ruth and Longa, two dedicated health agents from the Kawan Sehat program, become vital lifelines. They operate with the steadfast backing of the Fair Future Foundation and Kawan Baik Indonesia, delivering critical healthcare services, education, and frontline medical support to an area devoid of hospitals or clinics.
Erwin, the Primary Medical Care field coordinator, is a key figure in maintaining this healthcare lifeline. Arriving with a distinctive red medical backpack, Erwin meticulously collaborates with Ruth and Longa to replenish their medical supplies, analyse their monthly health reports, and introduce new medications. Each medication’s usage is clearly outlined: for instance, acetaminophen for pain management and oral rehydration salts for treating dehydration. Such detailed oversight ensures that data-driven strategies can be used to spot illness trends, enabling more effective community health management.
During Erwin’s visit, patients line up seeking relief and care. One patient endures persistent headaches and stomach aches, while another has a foot wound verging on severe infection. Ruth intervenes with precision, using antiseptics and antibiotics to clean and dress the wound, preventing potentially fatal developments like cellulitis or sepsis. Given the isolated nature of Karuku, these interventions are not merely medical—they are lifesaving.
Moreover, Ruth extends her expertise beyond immediate treatment, employing robust, washable educational posters to discuss nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention with the community. This educational push not only elevates local awareness but also fosters proactive health behaviours, contributing to a global movement towards sustainable health practices.
In a place like Karuku, healthcare transcends simple treatment. It embodies the essence of education, training, and trust. Continued support from the Primary Medical Care program means that Ruth and Longa are more than just caregivers—they are architects of transformative change. Their relentless efforts build community resilience, empower families with knowledge, and ensure that even the most secluded areas receive essential health resources and education.
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 18h of April 2025
