Rumah Kambera is on a mission to achieve health, sustainability, and a smoke-free environment.
We prioritize the health and safety of non-smokers and children and are dedicated to promoting responsible environmental practices. To safeguard the well-being of non-smokers, particularly children, Rumah Kambera in Sumba has taken the lead in establishing a smoke-free environment, including eliminating toxic smoke when burning trash and waste.
Prioritizing Non-Smokers and Children’s Health: At Rumah Kambera in our Socio-Medical base camp, we demand a safe and healthy environment for everyone who visits. We have made a significant and non-negotiable change by becoming a smoke-free establishment to prioritize the health of non-smokers, especially children who frequent our space for healthcare, education, and recreational activities. We will not settle for anything less than protecting their well-being at all costs.
Unveiling the Hazards of Passive Smoking: The dangers of passive smoking cannot be overstated, especially regarding children’s health. Their developing bodies are much more vulnerable to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, which can lead to respiratory illnesses, heart problems, and even cancer. At Rumah Kambera, we are proud to take an active role in safeguarding the welfare of these young individuals by creating a 100% smoke-free environment. We believe every child deserves a healthy start in life, and we are committed to doing everything possible to make that a reality.
Confronting Active and Passive Smoking: It is of utmost importance to underscore that smoking tobacco poses a serious threat to health. The toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke can result in a range of debilitating illnesses, such as lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory issues, and other adverse health outcomes. As healthcare professionals and medical organisations, we must set a positive example and avoid inadvertently condoning tobacco use.
Exemplary Waste Management: At Rumah Kambera, we pride ourselves on committing to maintaining a smoke-free living and working environment. As a responsible and environmentally conscious organization, we recognize the adverse effects of air pollution and poor waste management on the Sumba region. That is why we have taken decisive action to resolve these issues.
As healthcare professionals and medical organisations, we must set a positive example and refrain from inadvertently condoning tobacco use.
The Beginning of Change: Addressing Air Pollution Through Responsible Waste Management
In response to the challenge of air pollution caused by waste incineration all around us here, we’ve initiated a pivotal step – creating a small, primary ‘waste sorting station.’ This station is designed to ensure that only materials safe for incineration are processed, thereby minimizing the adverse impact on nature, wildlife, the environment, and the community at large.
Recognizing our duty to protect the environment and promote sustainability proactively, we’ve taken this crucial first step by implementing our waste management system. Through these efforts, we’re making a tangible difference in the lives of those residing and labouring in the Sumba region. We take immense pride in leading the charge towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for all.
We invite the Sumba community to rally behind these initiatives, pledging your allegiance to preserving health and the environment. Collectively, we shall forge a future teeming with promise for the forthcoming generations. Kawan, our unwavering commitment to the triad of health, the environment, and community welfare continues to burgeon.
Thank you very much. Alexandre Wettstein from the Foundation’s Medico-Social Camp in East Sumba, Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu, on September 8th, 2023
The Perils of Passive Smoking, Especially for Children
- Your Loved Ones at Risk: Our children lack the ability to control their environment, and they may unknowingly breathe in harmful tobacco smoke.
- Hidden Dangers: Secondhand smoke contains over 7,000 harmful chemicals, leading to a range of respiratory issues, ear infections, and developmental challenges, especially in our little ones.
- A Frightening Reality: Babies exposed to passive smoke face a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), a devastating and unexplained phenomenon.
- Lifelong Consequences: The effects of passive smoke exposure can last into adulthood, increasing the chances of heart disease and lung cancer.
In essence, passive smoking jeopardises our children’s health through involuntary exposure to harmful fumes. We must create smoke-free environments to protect their well-being.
Rumah Kambera Socio-Médical base camp – Images taken by Elthon in September 2023
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.
