A health-care centre in the primeval forest of Borneo
Destruction of the primeval forest has consequences for health
“Before the loggers came, we used to be healthy and strong. Now many of us suffer from malaria, gallstones and other diseases.” This complaint by a Penan headman speaks for itself: logging in the Penan territories has a far-reaching impact on the environment and a direct influence on the health of the villagers and nomads. In the cleared areas, the drinking water is contaminated and the removal of trees creates breeding grounds for disease vectors, such as anopheles, the malaria mosquito. Many of the diseases that have become prevalent today are new for the rainforest population, and it is impossible to cure them with their traditional therapies.
Health-care centre built by locals
It is the desire of the Penan in the villages around Long Kerong to improve this desolate situation. So, in 2005 and 2006, they constructed a small health-care centre, made up of two simple timber buildings, for ambulant treatment. The aim is to combine traditional knowledge of natural healing methods with western medicine. Two local project managers and a Swiss doctor started building up its operation in July 2006.
Support through the Bruno Manser Fund
The Bruno Manser Fund has been providing support for the project by supplying funds for the buildings as well as for the purchase and transport of the necessary materials for the generating electricity. A qualified Swiss doctor is in charge of the medical management of the project as a volunteer for the Bruno Manser Fund. Launching this project was made possible by a generous contribution from the joint heirs of Barbara und Peter Nathan-Neher.
