Letter explaining the situation in Kiribati

“You were interested to know some of the health issues here in Kiribati. The outer island where 2/3 of the population live are traditionally healthy…

On South Tarawa, the capital island, people are eating a lot of imported foodstuffs and this is resulting in obesity and non communicable diseases including cardiac problems, diabetes, and stroke. Unfortunately many outer islands obtain imported foodstuffs so their diets and it's ramifications are becoming apparent throughout the Republic….

In the physio department we treat a significant number of strokes and devascular amputees due to diabetes….

Our case list includes children with cerebral palsy, developmental delay due to chronic diarrhoea and malnutrition, those who have had a strike and spinal cord injured patients who may have fallen from trees or motorbikes.

Infectious disease is a problem. People live in large extended families; they are very gregarious and move around visiting/staying with different family members. Children experience diarrhoea and respiratory tract infections. TB is apparent within the community as is HIV/AIDS; Lauren can tell you more about this.

There is a lot of good work going on in Kiribati as people are looking to improve diet, access to clean drinking water, education about infectious and non infectious disease. It can be tough as we are pretty isolated both geographically and professionally. As such developing relationships with organisations such as yours are of great values to us.

Thank you for your support.”
Physiotherapist
MHMS
Letter dated November 2004