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Extract and Description of this News: Tuberculosis cases are increasing in ultra-rural communities in eastern Indonesia, due to inadequate living conditions, limited access to healthcare, and malnutrition. Learn more about the disease, how it is transmitted, and Fair Future’s efforts to provide education, early detection services, and treatment support to those affected. - Thank you for your interest.
Major Health Challenges in Ultra-Rural Communities of Eastern Indonesia
Fair Future Foundation addressing tuberculosis rise in ultra-rural East Sumba with healthcare support and education.

Addressing the growing challenge of tuberculosis in ultra-rural communities with prevention and care.

In the extremely remote regions where our foundation is active, a set of interrelated factors are contributing to a surge in tuberculosis, forming an ideal environment for the disease’s spread:
  1. Lack of Vaccination: The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine protects children from severe tuberculosis. However, access remains limited in remote areas due to logistical challenges and vaccine hesitancy stemming from misinformation. Improving outreach and educational programs is crucial to address these issues. This problem is exacerbated by limited healthcare infrastructure and vaccine hesitancy among the population.
  2. Substandard Living Conditions: Overcrowding and poor ventilation in homes significantly increase the risk of tuberculosis transmission. In rural areas, many families live in tiny, poorly built houses, making it difficult to maintain distance. Insufficient airflow allows tuberculosis to spread rapidly within households and communities.
  3. Limited Knowledge: Limited awareness of tuberculosis symptoms, transmission, and the importance of early treatment often leads families to delay seeking medical help. Additionally, the stigma surrounding TB discourages individuals from reaching out, resulting in later diagnoses and increased transmission rates.
  4. Compromised Immune Systems: Poor nutrition, along with diseases like malaria and dengue, weakens the immune systems of people in poverty, increasing their susceptibility to tuberculosis and hindering recovery. Children, the elderly, and those with existing health issues are particularly vulnerable.
  5. Limited Healthcare Access: Many individuals in these regions cannot access tuberculosis testing, diagnosis, or treatment due to insufficient healthcare infrastructure. Facilities, when available, are often poorly located and lack the necessary resources for proper care.

A comprehensive strategy is essential to tackle these challenges effectively. This should include increasing vaccination rates, educating communities about tuberculosis, improving living conditions, and ensuring access to nutritious food and healthcare. Addressing these elements together is vital for reducing the spread of TB in ultra-rural areas.

Understanding Infection Prevention and Control Measures
Fair Future Foundation addressing tuberculosis rise in ultra-rural East Sumba with healthcare support and education.

Addressing the growing challenge of tuberculosis in ultra-rural communities with prevention and care.

Fair Future stresses that preventing tuberculosis (TB) necessitates a comprehensive approach, specifically designed to meet the distinct challenges of ultra-rural communities. This strategy should be deeply integrated into local health cultures and practices. It must consider medical, social, and environmental factors while promoting community engagement and empowerment.
  1. Vaccination: The BCG vaccine prevents severe tuberculosis, especially in children. However, its availability in remote areas like East Sumba is limited due to logistical issues, poor healthcare infrastructure, and vaccine hesitancy. Expanding vaccination efforts, improving cold chain logistics, and educating families about immunization benefits are essential to protect at-risk populations.
  2. Education: Education is essential in the fight against tuberculosis. Tailored awareness initiatives can help communities recognize TB symptoms, understand its transmission, and seek prompt medical care. Informing families about the importance of completing treatment is critical in preventing drug-resistant TB, which is harder and more costly to treat.
  3. Hygiene and Ventilation: Poor ventilation and overcrowding contribute significantly to the spread of tuberculosis. Simple measures like opening windows, improving home airflow, and reducing population density can be effective. Educating families on affordable ways to enhance air circulation is crucial for breaking the infection cycle.
  4. Nutrition: Malnutrition weakens the immune system, increasing vulnerability to TB infections and hindering recovery. Access to protein-rich foods that boost immunity is crucial. Fair Future stresses the importance of including nutritional support in TB treatment and prevention to help patients and their families restore their health.
  5. Access to Healthcare: Accessing healthcare services is a significant challenge in rural areas. Strengthening local health centers, training health workers in diagnosing and managing tuberculosis, and providing reliable transportation for clinic visits are essential. Fair Future partners with organizations like Kawan Baik Indonesia and Sumba Volunteers to ensure communities receive timely and adequate medical care.
  6. Social Support: The stigma associated with tuberculosis often results in isolation, preventing individuals from seeking help and worsening the disease’s spread. Community initiatives that promote understanding are essential, and providing counselling for patients and their families can help reduce the social impact of tuberculosis and improve treatment adherence.

By combining vaccinations, education, better living conditions, nutrition, accessible healthcare, and social support, we can effectively combat tuberculosis in East Sumba and other underserved regions.

Fair Future’s Role in Supporting Communities Impacted by TB
Fair Future Foundation addressing tuberculosis rise in ultra-rural East Sumba with healthcare support and education.

Addressing the growing challenge of tuberculosis in ultra-rural communities with prevention and care.

Indeed, we prioritize the fight against tuberculosis in rural areas. Our overall strategy focuses on early detection, education and treatment as part of our primary health care program.
  1. Early identification of tuberculosis symptoms: We work with the Kawan Sehat health workers to identify potential tuberculosis cases. By providing training and tools, we enable these workers to recognize symptoms early and refer people to care quickly, as is routinely done.
  2. Educational initiatives: Education is key in the fight against tuberculosis. We conduct awareness campaigns to inform families about tuberculosis symptoms, transmission and the importance of completing treatment, which enables communities to seek care on time.
  3. Nutritional support: Malnutrition can worsen tuberculosis. We provide nutritional support, providing patients access to protein-rich foods to facilitate recovery and reduce relapse rates.
  4. Collaboration with health centers: Continuous treatment is essential for managing tuberculosis. We partner with local medical facilities to ensure continued care and help patients reach clinics.

Our approach emphasizes early intervention and community support to combat tuberculosis in vulnerable populations, fostering hope and healing among affected communities.

Recovery Pathways: A Comprehensive Healing Journey
Fair Future Foundation addressing tuberculosis rise in ultra-rural East Sumba with healthcare support and education.

Addressing the growing challenge of tuberculosis in ultra-rural communities with prevention and care.

Tuberculosis can be cured, but its treatment requires dedication and consistency. The typical course of treatment involves taking a combination of antibiotics every day for 6 to 9 months. This extended duration is crucial for fully eliminating the bacteria (like Mycobacterium tuberculosis), preventing recurrence, and stopping the further spread of the disease.

The most commonly used medications are:

  1. Isoniazid (INH): This is a key drug that kills actively growing TB bacteria;
  2. Rifampin (RIF): A powerful antibiotic that eliminates both active and dormant TB bacteria;
  3. Pyrazinamide (PZA): Targets TB bacteria in acidic environments, such as within infected cells;
  4. Ethambutol (EMB): Prevents the development of drug-resistant TB by weakening the bacterial cell wall;

This combination is typically administered during the intensive phase of treatment, lasting 2 months. Following this, the continuation phase involves Isoniazid and Rifampin for an additional 4–7 months to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria.

It’s critical to take these medications exactly as prescribed to prevent relapse or the emergence of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB).

Adhering to the treatment schedule is essential, not only for personal recovery but also to prevent the development of drug-resistant TB strains. Treating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is significantly more challenging and expensive, often requiring longer and more intensive medical treatments.

Especially here, where we work in very rural and isolated areas, many families struggle to follow medical regimens due to limited access to healthcare, long travel distances, and high transportation costs. Additionally, a lack of awareness about the importance of completing treatment can lead to interruptions that complicate recovery.

Fair Future addresses these disparities by providing logistical support, raising awareness about treatment adherence, and partnering with healthcare providers and local authorities to ensure patients have consistent access to essential medications. Our goal is to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the impact of tuberculosis on vulnerable communities.

Future Plans: Reducing Tuberculosis in Remote Regions
Fair Future Foundation addressing tuberculosis rise in ultra-rural East Sumba with healthcare support and education.

Addressing the growing challenge of tuberculosis in ultra-rural communities with prevention and care.

Effectively combating tuberculosis requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses root causes and disrupts transmission. This involves treating affected individuals and creating conditions to limit the spread of the disease.
  1. Vaccination Campaigns: Expanding access to the BCG vaccine for children in remote areas is crucial. We can reduce severe tuberculosis cases by combining community education with vaccination efforts.
  2. Education: Raising awareness about tuberculosis symptoms and the need for early diagnosis helps empower communities to seek help without fear.
  3. Enhanced Living Conditions: Improving living conditions, such as reducing overcrowding and enhancing ventilation, is vital for lowering transmission rates.
  4. Nutrition: Nutrition also plays a key role in boosting immunity, making access to healthy food essential for prevention and recovery. Integrating nutritional support with tuberculosis treatment helps families restore their health.

Fair Future is dedicated to connecting isolated communities with essential healthcare services. By partnering with local Kawan Sehat health agents and medical centres, we ensure effective care while addressing the underlying factors contributing to the disease.

By working collaboratively and maintaining consistent support, we can alleviate the impact of tuberculosis in ultra-rural East Sumba, bringing health, dignity, and real solutions back to affected families.

Give - Make them a gift

Your generosity transforms lives. By donating to Fair Future, you support initiatives that bring joy and hope to remote communities.

Primary medical care donation for 2025/26 program

Fair Future Foundation and Kawan Baik Indonesia made a primary medical care donation of CHF 19,248.96 (around IDR 400 million) covering 32% of the program’s 2025–2026 budget. This funding sustains healthcare access for thousands of people in ultra-rural Indonesian regions lacking clinics, doctors, or medicines.

Rainwater tank connected in Laindatang East Sumba

The 114.7 m³ rainwater tank in Laindatang, named Matawai Urang, is now fully connected to gutters and filtration, ready to collect clean water for 300 residents. This rainwater tank Laindatang project also features an information panel, sharing the story of safe water access for the community.

Malaria mosquito nets distributed in East Sumba villages

We distributed 450 malaria mosquito nets across East Sumba villages. Each family received a net, printed guidance, and a sewing kit for repairs. By combining distribution with education, families learned why correct use matters for preventing deadly malaria infections.

Malaria education sessions in Umalulu East Sumba

In four villages of East Sumba, Fair Future led days of malaria education and screening. Communities learned, played, asked questions, and discovered how to protect their families. Hundreds were tested, treated, and equipped with mosquito nets. Together, knowledge saves lives.

Medical equipment donation to RSUD Waingapu hospital

Fair Future delivered CHF 12000 in essential medical equipment to RSUD Waingapu, Sumba’s sole public hospital serving nearly 1’000’000 people. This medical equipment donation was based on the real needs expressed by doctors and nurses, ensuring frontline teams receive the tools they truly require.

Malaria education billboards installed in East Sumba

As part of the East Sumba Malaria Prevention Project 2025, Fair Future and partners installed 20 large billboards across rural communities. These visuals teach families how to recognize malaria symptoms and protect themselves. A vital step to reduce infections in one of Indonesia’s hardest-hit regions.

Malaria rapid tests reveal cases in Umalulu

During our fieldwork in Umalulu for the East Sumba Malaria Prevention Project, rapid diagnostic tests confirmed new positive malaria cases—children, women, and adolescents—despite being outside peak season. Without testing, cases remain invisible. Testing saves lives.

Malaria prevention project East Sumba progresses in 2025

Three weeks into the malaria prevention project, East Sumba has seen real progress. The IRS campaign is complete, 20 prevention billboards are in place, and the education phase now begins. This malaria prevention project strengthens awareness, treatment, and long-term protection.

Malaria lab training strengthens diagnostics in East Sumba

Malaria lab training in East Sumba brought together 28 analysts from all health centres and the RSUD hospital. Under WHO-certified mentors, they refined slide reading and microscopy skills, strengthening diagnostic accuracy and treatment speed in rural Indonesia.

Indoor Residual Spraying malaria – Fair Future Foundation

The Kawan Against Malaria program delivers Indoor Residual Spraying malaria operations in East Sumba. Trained teams spray bamboo and wooden homes, surface by surface, to kill mosquitoes and reduce transmission. Each treated house becomes a safer place for children and families.

Primary Medical Care (PMC)

Life‑saving care where no doctors are available

In villages without clinics, our Kawan Sehat health agents—mostly women—provide first aid, wound treatment, antimalarials, antibiotics, fever management, and referrals. They see 700–1,000 patients each month across East Sumba. Ongoing training and resupply—guided by a 150‑page manual and regular intensive sessions—ensure care remains safe and consistent. Your support funds medicines, diagnostics, and supervision that save lives.

Clean Water Connections

Every drop collected is a life protected.

Since 2019, we have constructed dozens of ferro-cement tanks ranging from 5,000 to 5,350 litres, working alongside families, and a 115 m³ reservoir in Laindatang to ensure access to clean water. New projects in Lapinu add more tanks and sanitation blocks. Access to water reduces diarrheal diseases, improves nutrition, and enables girls to remain in school. Simple tools, local labour, and durable designs enable communities to maintain these systems independently.

Kawan Against Malaria

Prevention, diagnosis, treatment—village by village

Malaria remains endemic in East Sumba. We deploy long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), rapid blood tests, treatment, and IRS planning where needed. Our Umalulu baseline study maps hotspots and practices to guide action. Health agents educate families on night protection, early testing, and correct dosing. With consistent nets, diagnostics, and training, we reduce cases—and save lives.

Light for Education – SolarBuddy

When night falls, learning continues.

In 2025, we gained tax-free approval to distribute 2,224 SolarBuddy lamps for children and schools without electricity. The lamps charge during the day and provide light for homework, safety, and community study at night. Larger units support classrooms; smaller units are given to students. A yearly pipeline now helps us reach more villages. Light improves attendance, reading time, and learning outcomes.

Women’s Empowerment & Training

From caregivers to certified community health leaders

Most Kawan Sehat are women. Through intensive training, field coaching, and a modular 15-chapter curriculum, they gain clinical skills, triage methods, prevention tools, and record-keeping. Certification boosts confidence, income opportunities, and community respect. When women lead care locally, families seek help earlier, and health indicators improve for everyone—especially children.

Prevention & Health Education

Posters, school sessions, community talks

We run an expanding range of prevention campaigns: tobacco harms, waste & water safety, alcohol risks, and sexual health/STIs. Materials are designed for all literacy levels, printed on fabric for durability, and delivered by health agents in homes and schools. Clear visuals plus simple steps = real behaviour change that prevents illness before it begins.

Support Logistics – The Trucks of Life

If supplies don’t move, care doesn’t happen

Our medical truck and the Truck n’ Load carry up to four tonnes of medicines, solar gear, and water-system materials across ferries and off-road tracks. Logistics also enables emergency runs, resupply for agents, and equipment installations. This backbone turns donations into delivered care—on time, in the hardest places. Fuel, tyres, maintenance: all mission-critical.

Volunteer With Us

Field, workshop, or remote—there’s a role for you

Join on the ground in Sumba, lend skills in Bali or Switzerland, or help remotely with medical logistics, translation, mapping, media, grants or education content. We prioritise practical impact, safety, and clear tasks. Short missions and long commitments are both welcome. Your time can build a reservoir, train a health agent—or light a classroom.

Transparency & Swiss Expertise

Trust earned through experience and integrity

Since 2008, +/- 93% of every franc has directly funded fieldwork. Accounts are approved annually by the Foundation Board, certified auditors, and Swiss authorities. We operate with minimal overhead and only local salaries, depending on volunteer efforts and strict controls. Precision, accountability, Swiss Expertise and results drive every franc we allocate.

In‑Kind & Medical Donations

From a bandage to a solar panel—everything counts

We accept medical supplies (bandages, infusion sets, RDTs, malaria medication), water system materials, and educational and solar equipment. Thanks to our customs approvals, large humanitarian shipments can arrive tax‑free and be tracked to their destination. Donate items in Sumba, Denpasar, or Switzerland—our team ensures they reach those where they can save the most lives.

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