Situation in Kiribati

Kiribati is made up of 33 low lying coral atolls spread out over the equator. Tarawa, on which the capital Bairiki is located, is the most heavily populated (over 30,000) of the 21 inhabited islands. The population is of a young age (median 19 years); working closely with volunteers from a local organisation The Oneness-Heart-Tears and Smiles of New Zealand is trying to assist them in providing health education and recreation for this young populatio

Kiribati has only one road. Coconuts on the road are a serious hazard which result in many accidents, causing a strain on the scarce medical resources of the island. Kiribati also has a high diabetes rate which results in many amputations. In our first shipment to the General Hospital for 2005, a large number of back, neck and knee braces along with walking frames and crutches were sent.