Rumah Kambera’s Bold Stand for Health and Sustainability – Protecting Non-Smokers and Children and Pioneering Responsible Environmental Practices

Rumah Kambera, a hub for healthcare, education, and play in Sumba, has taken a crucial step by going smoke-free to safeguard non-smokers, particularly the children who visit daily.

Preserving Non-Smokers and Children: Rumah Kambera, as a gathering point for medical care, education, and play for children in the Sumba region, has made an important choice by becoming a smoke-free location. This reflects our commitment to protecting non-smokers, especially the children who come to play with us every day.

Passive smoking, especially among children (ref explanation below), seriously threatens their health. Risks associated with passive smoking include an increased risk of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and even cancer. Rumah Kambera is dedicated to preserving the health of these young souls by providing a tobacco-smoke-free environment.

Combatting Active and Passive Smoking: It is crucial to emphasize that active tobacco use is extremely harmful. The toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke are responsible for many serious diseases, such as lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory failure, and many more. Medical organizations must set an example and no longer indirectly promote tobacco.

Responsible Waste Management: Besides our commitment to a tobacco-free environment, Rumah Kambera is taking significant steps to combat air pollution and improper waste management in the Sumba region. We have implemented a selective waste sorting station to recognise the serious issue of air pollution caused by waste fires. Now, we only burn what can be safely burned without harming nature, wildlife, flora, and families.

The impact of air pollution on people’s health and way of life is enormous. This is particularly evident through the contamination of plants, soil, and groundwater, threatening the community’s food security.

Commitment to a Healthier Future: Rumah Kambera and the Fair Future and Kawan Baik organizations are now committed to a zero-tolerance policy regarding smoking, related illnesses, and air pollution from waste fires. These measures are a crucial first step toward a cleaner and healthier environment for all in Sumba.

We invite the Sumba community to support these initiatives and commit to preserving health and the environment. Together, we can create a more promising future for future generations. Kawan, our commitment to health, the environment, and community well-being continues to intensify. Your support is essential for Rumah Kambera to continue to serve as a model for the entire region.

Passive smoking, especially among children, is a serious health concern because:

Involuntary Exposure: Children can’t control their environment and can be exposed to harmful tobacco smoke without choice.
Toxic Chemicals: Secondhand smoke contains over 7,000 toxic chemicals, leading to respiratory issues, ear infections, and developmental problems in children.
SIDS Risk: It increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in infants.
Long-term Effects: Exposure can lead to chronic health conditions like heart disease and lung cancer later in life.

In summary, passive smoking harms children’s health due to involuntary exposure to toxic smoke, making it crucial to create smoke-free environments to protect them.