A Day of Care and Connection in Hudumburung – Health, Humanity, and the Power of Walking Together
From early morning until dusk, we treated over 150 people in a remote village, carrying medicine, water, knowledge, and much heart.
On March 20, the group journeyed to Hudumburung, a secluded village near Kawangu in East Sumba, for an entire day dedicated to Primary Medical Care. This photo series narrates the experience of that day—moments captured amidst numerous medical procedures, laughter, and storytelling.
We had company. In addition to our Fair Future team, we were accompanied by John Kevan, a cherished friend from Rotary International in Australia. He has supported our Water Connections and Zero Malaria initiatives for almost three years. This was his third visit with us on the ground in Sumba. Although John is approaching 80, you would think he’s much younger; He takes on hills and gallops like someone half his age! And his heart? It’s even more significant than you could imagine.
You’ll also find one of our remarkable Kawan Sehat health agents in this village. Veronika guided us through her community: children needing vaccinations, parents looking for guidance, and elders managing chronic pain. We came with a truck carrying 1,000 litres of clean water, medical supplies, vitamins, and knowledge to share. Watch the video “One Day in My Life” about Veronika here.
Our initial step was to vaccinate young children ages 5 and 6. While some were anxious and others displayed courage, almost everyone left with protection, a smile, and a piece of candy in hand. Following that were TB screenings, rapid malaria tests (RDT), treatments for skin infections, fevers, malnutrition-related issues, stomach aches, and care for old wounds.
In total, we treated over 150 individuals. We distributed medicine, educated on malaria prevention, shared our posters, and taught people how to identify symptoms. It was a mutual exchange of listening and learning. The day before, thanks to John and Rotary, we purchased nearly 6 million Indonesian Rupiah (CHF 321.-) worth of medicines in Waingapu. It’s pretty simple: without these medicines, we would not have been able to meet all these needs. Two large boxes filled with everything required to treat, relieve, disinfect, bandage, test, etc. Thank you, John, and everyone else who is assisting us. You can see just how valuable your help is.
This gallery is not just about exhibiting our work; it pays tribute to those who accompany us daily here in East Sumba, in Rumah Kambera, to those who are dear to us and those who make everything possible. It’s about being present in places often overlooked by the world. These 33 photos offer a glimpse into a day that held immense significance for us and them. I want to thank John, Ino, Susanti, Elthon, Primus, the people of East Sumba, our medical teams, the nurses, all Kawan Sehat agents, the volunteers, the translator (me), Erwin, our field coordinator, and everyone else. Without them, none of this would be possible. It’s a team effort, a human adventure, and a mission for social justice.
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 – March 23rd 2025
