Training health agents and volunteers to combat malaria in remote communities of East Sumba.
Empowering communities with knowledge, tools, and actions to tackle malaria transmission at its roots.
On April 23-24, 2025, Fair Future and Kawan Baik Indonesia launched the Malaria Spread Studies training in East Sumba, furthering efforts against malaria. Collaborating with local governments and health authorities, the initiative targets the persistent causes of malaria in ultra-rural areas.
Caused by the Plasmodium parasite and spread by infected Anopheles mosquitoes, malaria is a critical public health issue, leading to severe health complications if untreated. Although global efforts have reduced its prevalence, rural communities are still heavily impacted due to limited healthcare access, favourable mosquito habitats, and insufficient public health education.
Carefully selected local volunteers received comprehensive training, ID badges, and access to the Kawan Against Malaria app, which operates with limited internet connectivity. Guided by Erwin and Ino, participants will survey 400 homes, focusing on socio-economic factors, housing conditions, environmental risks, and local awareness of malaria. This approach helps understand local dynamics contributing to malaria persistence.
Volunteers learned to conduct structured interviews and gather key environmental indicators, such as standing water and poor sanitation, which are critical for mosquito breeding. The training highlighted essential malaria symptoms—fever, chills, and headaches that develop 10 days after infection—and emphasised early diagnosis to prevent severe complications, such as cerebral malaria and anaemia.
The program engages families and integrates local wisdom, fostering culturally respectful, data-driven malaria interventions. Involving the community in data collection enhances the sustainability and effectiveness of initiatives. A digital tool addressing economic and infrastructural challenges innovatively collects and manages essential health data. I am attaching the paper version of the questionnaire.
The launch, coinciding with World Malaria Day on April 25, highlights the urgent need for coordinated, community-driven initiatives to eradicate malaria. Fair Future and Kawan Baik Indonesia proudly lead actions that go beyond awareness, demonstrating the impact of grassroots mobilisation technology and dedicated fieldwork in driving change.
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 – April 29 2025
