Future Priorities to Improve Sexual and Reproductive Health in Kiribati

Amrita Namasivayam, Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa
Norma Yeeting, Executive Director, Kiribati Family Health Association
Tamoa Moannata, Project Manager, Kiribati Family Health Association
Mireta Noere Batio, Consultant, Future Partners
Elisabeth Poppelwell, Consultant, Future Partners

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and family planning (FP) are crucial for public health and development in Kiribati. The island nation’s unique challenges, including its dispersed geography, cultural diversity, and limited healthcare resources, necessitate customized SRH interventions. This research, conducted from May to November 2024, aimed to assess the impact and effectiveness of these initiatives in Kiribati, including specific outer islands, and to identify future priorities for improvement. Focus group discussions (n=50 over 8 groups) and stakeholder interviews (n=45) were conducted across South Tarawa and the outer islands of Maiana and Butaritari. All participants noted that that the main SRH provider, the Kiribati Family Health Association (KFHA) provided services, training and education programmes that were working well. Stakeholders commented that KFHA adapts its services and training to different cultures on the different islands and uses different approaches to deliver sensitive information. Challenges included infrequent and irregular visits by KFHA and the government to outer island clinics, and a shortage of FP commodities on these islands. Future resourcing and strategies to improve SRH in Kiribati should also consider dedicated services for ‘hard to reach’ groups such as sex workers and the rainbow community.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Mixed methods research, Population and Development

See extended abstract.