Caring for the Punan of Tubu Forest

Location: Kalimantan

Situation:

With more than 15 million households living below the poverty line, the socioeconomic situation in Indonesia remains fragile. Access to healthcare for those living in shanty towns or the isolated populations of many islands in the archipelago, continues to be difficult. Given the growth in the AIDS epidemic and the appearance of new epidemics as a result of the massive displacement of populations fleeing threatened areas, the presence of humanitarian organisations is needed now more than ever.

Activities:

 The Punan, an indigenous Indonesian people, are linked to Malinau district, whose main town has been experiencing major economic development with negative consequences for the environment, society and health. Because they live so far from health services, the Punan people do not receive any primary healthcare. Malaria, respiratory infections and high infant mortality are the main health problems identified.
MdM runs several activities:
• Mobile clinics lasting a month (three times a year) in four sites along the Tubu River.
• Training Punan community health workers for one week before each clinic, with practice in the field during the clinic;
• Supporting the local organisation Adat Punan which represents the interests of the Punan of Kalimantan.

Outlook:

In addition to medical consultations and community health worker training, 2007 will see a child immunisation campaign and the distribution of insecticide impregnated mosquito nets. We will continue to support the recognition and protection of the Punan’s rights through the Adat Punan Foundation.

Project start date: May 2005

End date: December 2008