K i r i b a t i Population over 65 Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015 195 The global MDG 5 target for maternal health is to reduce the number of women who die in pregnancy and childbirth by threequarters between 1990 and 2015. For Kiribati, this target is 63 per 100,000 live births, but in 2013 the country had an adjusted maternal mortality ratio of 130 deaths per 100,000 live births – more than double the target figure. Part of the goal also stipulates that 100 per cent of births must be attended by a skilled health professional. In 2010 this figure stood at 98 per cent and so this target is close to being achieved. MDG 6 aims for a reduction in the prevalence of HIV, malaria and other diseases. There is not enough information from international agencies to confirm the country’s progress on this goal with regard to HIV. Since 1990 tuberculosis (TB) has shown an overall increase in estimated incidence, while estimated mortality (when mortality data excludes cases comorbid with HIV) has remained the same. There is insufficient information available to estimate Kiribati’s progress in MDG 6. For definitions, sources and explanations on the Millennium Development Goals see page 314. Universal health coverage Less than a fifth of health care in Kiribati (17 per cent) was paid for by patients or funded by other non-governmental entities – such as private insurers, charities or employers – in 2012. Total health expenditure constituted 8.9 per cent of GDP in 2012, of which 83 per cent (US$154 per capita) was covered by the government. There is a well-established, publicly funded and provided health system in Kiribati which is administered by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. There are no private or church-provided health services; as such, the government is the only provider of health services. Despite the presence of a publicly funded health care system, the island’s small size and remoteness means that health care services can be limited in availability and quality. As such, the Ministry of Health has begun taking steps to improve access to health care on the islands. The Kiribati Health Strategic Plan 2012–15 outlines six strategic objectives for improving health care provision for the population, which include: increasing access to and use of comprehensive family planning services, particularly for vulnerable populations; improving maternal, newborn and child health; preventing the introduction and spread of communicable diseases through strengthening existing programmes of control and ensuring readiness for any future outbreaks; strengthening initiatives to combat NCD risk factors and reduce morbidity, disability and mortality from NCDs; strengthening the health system and addressing gaps in service delivery; and improving access to appropriate services for youths and victims of gender-based violence. Kiribati is not a signatory to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the covenant that commits signees to the ensuring ‘the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health’. Care of the elderly: Around 4,000 people in Kiribati are over the age of 65 – four per cent of the total population (2013). At the age of 60 a person living in Kiribati can be expected to live for an additional 17 years, on average (2013). Kiribati’s Elderly Fund pension scheme dates back to 2003. Monthly pension credits paid at a rate of US$47 per person (2007–12) on a universal basis. In 2004 the government introduced the Elderly Allowance, an untargeted, unconditional allowance for everyone over the age of 70. 4% The I-Kiribati people live in extended family groups, in close communities, living and working in harmony with neighbours. Family is of high importance in the I-Kiribati culture. As such the elderly are often cared for by relatives. Further information Commonwealth Health Online: www.commonwealthhealth.org/health/pacific/kiribati
Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015
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