Kiribati and Climate Change

It is a coral atol containing 33 islands and 100 000 people are on this island. It is a long but narrow island. The average height above sea level is less than 2 metres.  The governor of the country predicts that this country will go under water in 2030. Global warming is a huge problem. The small landmarks that they have do not have enough room to grow food for them to live off because of salination. The intensity of the storms could sink some of the island. The major issue is lack of fresh water supply. Storm surges, drought and erosion are three major causes of environmental impact. The water aquifers are below the ground and it is prone to contamination. The big issue is having no water above ground. The government are helping out by providing education to train them to leave the country and become accepted into other countries. The government funded nurse training and basic navy training. Climate change is a regular topic in Sunday homilies.

Nurses in Kiribati

The initiative will enable I-Kiribati youth to attain Australian nursing qualifications and industry experience. In Australia, I-Kiribati nurse educators attain further education and skills development to Australian standards to strengthen Kiribati nursing education outcomes and health care services.

Wheelchairs for students with special needs

Many people with special needs do not have a job so they pick up cans and sell them to make a living. Australian Volunteers International is one of the groups who help out. These people specialise in rearranging wheelchairs so they suit the person’s needs. Australian funding to the School & Centre for Children with Special Needs, the only institution in Kiribati that provides for the needs of disabled children and their families, is facilitating better access to education for 80 disabled children. Support is also provided to people who need wheelchairs, in partnership with Motivation Australia and two dedicated Australians from Australian Volunteers International.

Tackling Tuberculosis in Kiribati

300 people per thousand of the population have tuberculosis. Over crowded homes is a main reason why so many people have tuberculosis. The average amount of people in a household is 13. It is an airborne disease and is spread through coughing. There are 4 specialist nurses that are dedicated and they help people after they come out of hospital. These nurses are funded by the Ausaid part of the Australian government. If someone is found in a household with tuberculosis, they isolate them so the disease is not spread. Australia is helping Kiribati build a laboratory and pharmacy. They are trying to reduce the amount of infected people by 30%.

Nurturing the Nurses in Kiribati

The Kiribati Australian nurses initiatives are studying at Griffith University in Brisbane. This is funded by Ausaid. The nursing program is a response to climate change as they will be able to help in their local community but also to arm them with skills which will help secure employment. They are given four months of training in Kiribati and four months in Brisbane. They chose nursing to study because there is a shortage of nurses worldwide.