Kiribati

Kiribati is one of the most physically remote and dispersed countries in the world, making it very difficult to reach everyone in need.

Kiribati

Where we work

Kiribati, a nation spread across 33 low-lying atolls and reef islands, is one of the most remote and dispersed places in the world.

With islands scattered over a vast area of the Pacific Ocean, transportation and telecommunications are challenging, time-consuming, and costly, creating significant barriers to healthcare and other essential services.

Kiribati’s low-lying islands make it particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and rising sea levels. Classified as a Least Developed Country, Kiribati struggles with limited freshwater sources, which lead to various health issues related to water quality and sanitation. These factors make it especially difficult to provide widespread healthcare, but we remain committed to reaching those in need.

Eye health issues in Kiribati

The most common causes of blindness and vision impairment in Kiribati are:

With an estimated 24.1% of the population suffering from diabetes, Kiribati has a large number of people in need of regular screening for signs of diabetes eye disease. Many require urgent treatment, but the health system is simply not set up to meet the need.

Our work in Kiribati

In 2017 we upgraded the eye clinic, and we’re continuing to support Dr Erena Kum-kei as an eye doctor, with regular visits from consulting ophthalmologists and we are supporting clinical attachments for Kiribati eye care staff to further their skills and knowledge at the Pacific Eye Institute in Fiji.

We’re also helping to raise awareness within the health sector about diabetes and the impact it can have on eye health. We support the training of nurses to recognise and refer diabetic patients to the eye clinic, which helps the eye care clinicians reach people in remote villages

Progress in sight

Currently in Kiribati, there are:

1 active eye doctor (Foundation-sponsored graduate)
10 active eye nurses and eye care clinicians (all Foundation-sponsored graduates)
1 Foundation-supported eye clinic: Tungaru Central Hospital Eye Department, South Tarawa

2024 highlights:

1 eye nurse representing Kiribati attended the annual Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists conference
4 eye care professionals participated in professional development workshops and training
2 Pacific outreaches were held to address the backlog of eye care patients
World Sight Day eye health promotion activities reached approximately 5,000 school children at 11 primary schools

Kiribati

Eye health issues in Kiribati

Our work in Kiribati

Progress in sight

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