Malaria, typhus and upper respiratory diseases are common throughout the area. Infant mortality is
7.3% (73/1,000 live births) the highest in NTT, as is mortality of women in childbirth and deaths of children under 5.
Almost all rural pregnant women, 99% are malnourished and anemic, resulting in weak, low birth-weight babies,
very many of whom die needlessly of dehydration from diarrohea and disease.
Although many efforts have been made by government and non-government organizations (both international and
local) to introduce projects such as bringing water to the villages, most have failed. Development imposed from the
‘Top Down’ with no sense of local ‘ownership’ and minimal training is totally ineffective. YHS and the local people together design our programs to overcome their most urgent needs inways understood and accepted from the beginning, and have proven to have lasting results.
So much of what we take for granted – wholesome food, clean water, access to basic education and health care–is
out of reach for the people of West Sumba. As you read about our work and our achievements, we hope you will
support us in empowering these communities and bringing them hope for a brighter future. |
