These videos are part of a second-year project developed by Clive Tan (2022, Singapore), Eaint Thiri Thu (2022, Myanmar), Putri Widi Saraswati (2022, Indonesia) of the Equity Initiative as part of their Induction Year. 

Originally created as a book titled Why People Get Sick—And Some More Than Others, the project brings together a series of short, story-based narratives that explore the social determinants of health across Southeast Asia. 

Through lived experiences, the stories highlight how factors such as identity, environment, income, relationships, and access to care shape health outcomes in ways that are often not visible in traditional medical education. 

Building on the book, the stories have been adapted into a series of short films in collaboration with Rennta Chrisdiana (2019, Indonesia) and Fetu and their team of filmmakers — extending their reach and making them more accessible to wider audiences. 

Loneliness

This film tells the story of Mok, an older woman navigating grief, isolation, and the quiet realities of aging alone. Through her experience, the story explores how loneliness and social isolation can profoundly impact both mental and physical health, particularly among older adults. 

While often overlooked, these social factors are critical determinants of health, influencing everything from emotional well-being to long-term health outcomes. 

Dementia

This film tells the story of Arun, a son navigating the realities of caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s disease. As his mother’s condition worsens, Arun and his family struggle to balance caregiving responsibilities, financial pressures, and limited access to specialized care. 

Through his experience, the story explores how dementia affects not only the individual, but also their caregivers, highlighting the emotional, physical, and financial strain that can arise when support systems are limited. It also brings attention to how access to healthcare, community awareness, and economic constraints shape the quality of care and outcomes for families living with progressive conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. 

Epilepsy

This film tells the story of Afina, a young woman living with epilepsy and navigating the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and stigma. From having her symptoms dismissed early on to managing the long-term realities of a chronic condition, Afina’s journey reflects both the physical and emotional challenges of living with epilepsy. Through her experience, the story explores how stigma, limited understanding, and barriers to care can shape not only health outcomes, but also a person’s sense of identity, relationships, and safety. 

It highlights how chronic illness is not only a medical issue, but one deeply influenced by social perceptions, support systems, and access to appropriate care.