World Tuberculosis Day 2025: A Call to Action in Kiribati

BAIRIKI, TARAWA, 24 March, 2025.

The theme for World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2025, “Yes, We Can End TB,” is a powerful statement from the World Health Organization (WHO) that emphasizes the urgency and collective effort needed to combat this global health challenge. The theme underscores the need for global commitment, investment, and action to eliminate TB once and for all. This year’s observance highlights the crucial role of public awareness, early detection, and sustained intervention in tackling the disease. In Kiribati, this message is especially pertinent as the nation faces a concerning rise in TB cases despite the availability of effective treatments.

Rising TB Cases in Kiribati

Recent reports from Kiribati’s TB Office indicate an alarming increase in the number of TB cases across the islands. Despite the fact that TB is a treatable disease, the number of cases continues to grow. This trend is concerning, as TB is both preventable and curable when detected early and treated properly. The Kiribati Ministry of Health has acknowledged these challenges and has joined forces with global initiatives to tackle TB on both local and international fronts.

WHO’s Global Commitment to Ending TB

The WHO has set ambitious targets to end TB worldwide by 2030, with a focus on accelerating efforts between 2023 and 2027. The global health organization reported that, since 2000, 79 million people have been cured of TB, but the battle is far from over. In 2023 alone, an estimated 1.8 million people contracted TB, and 1.25 million lives were lost to the disease. These statistics underscore the importance of continued commitment to global TB eradication efforts, as well as the need for increased investment in TB prevention and treatment programs.

The WHO’s 2025 World TB Day theme, “Yes, We Can End TB through Collective Efforts to Commit, Invest, and Deliver,” serves as a rallying cry for governments, health organizations, and communities to work together in the fight against TB. Kiribati’s efforts to address the rising TB cases align with this global call to action, demonstrating that every community can play a pivotal role in eliminating the disease.

Kiribati’s Response to the TB Crisis

In response to the growing TB burden, Kiribati has implemented several initiatives to combat the disease and raise awareness. Mrs. Bereka Tinian Reiher, the TB Coordinator in Kiribati, highlighted the country’s ongoing efforts, which include outreach programs and public awareness campaigns aimed at educating the population about TB prevention, early detection, and treatment. On March 24, 2025, Kiribati marked World TB Day with an event in the capital, Bairiki, where the community was engaged through informational sessions, screenings, and educational activities.

Despite these efforts, Mrs. Reiher expressed concern that the results of these public awareness programs have not been as effective as hoped, especially in light of the continued rise in TB cases. This highlights the importance of not only raising awareness but also ensuring that individuals take action when they experience symptoms of the disease.

Outreach and Education

Throughout 2025, the Kiribati Ministry of Health has intensified its efforts to combat TB through a series of outreach activities. These included school visits for TB screenings, immunizations, and health education sessions targeting both students and teachers. The health promotion unit, with funding support from the Pearl and Australian governments, also conducted roadshows across the islands to further spread the message about TB prevention and treatment.

Additionally, the Ministry has been visiting households to inform residents about the importance of early detection and the steps they can take to prevent the spread of TB. Mrs. Reiher emphasized the need for prompt action when symptoms such as coughing, fever, weight loss, and loss of appetite appear. The public is encouraged to seek immediate medical attention at local clinics or visit the TB office in Nawerewere if they suspect they may have contracted TB.

A Unified Effort to End TB in Kiribati

Mrs. Reiher concluded with a strong call for community involvement, stating that ending TB in Kiribati will require a collective effort from all sectors of society. Public health campaigns are essential, but individuals must also play an active role in spreading awareness and seeking medical care if they suspect they are infected. The success of Kiribati’s TB response hinges on early diagnosis, effective treatment, and a shared commitment to eradicating the disease.

As Kiribati moves forward in its battle against TB, the WHO’s 2025 World TB Day theme serves as a reminder that “Yes, We Can End TB”—but only if governments, health organizations, and communities work together to create a world free from the burden of tuberculosis.

Roundtable Discussion on Climate Change Impacts Held in Tarawa, Kiribati

March 2025 – A crucial roundtable discussion on the impacts of climate change was held last week at the Kiritimati Fish Limited boardroom in Ambo, Tarawa. The meeting, aimed at addressing key environmental challenges facing Kiribati, brought together a diverse group of attendees, including government officials, development partners, donors, island mayors and their clerks, and representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

The open, informal discussion provided a platform for free dialogue on pressing issues surrounding climate change. Participants discussed a range of critical topics, including the challenges Kiribati is facing due to the effects of climate change, potential solutions, and the role of international counterparts in assisting the nation.

Three key questions dominated the agenda of the meeting:

1. What are the specific climate change issues that Kiribati will face?

2. How can these issues be addressed effectively?

3. How can international partners help in finding solutions?

The roundtable highlighted the urgency of climate change in Kiribati, with many island representatives stressing the collective responsibility to mitigate its effects. The discussions emphasized that the country has increasingly attracted the attention of international researchers, underscoring Kiribati's vulnerability and the importance of ongoing global collaboration.

A key theme in the dialogue was the current state of foreign aid, particularly with regard to water and sanitation projects on several islands, including Beru, Nikunau, and North Tarawa.

While these projects are ongoing, concerns were raised about their sustainability, with many fearing that they may not provide long-term solutions without continuous follow-ups.

Participants acknowledged that donors and development partners play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges, but the lack of follow-up on some projects remains a significant concern.

As frontline representatives for spreading public awareness, those present at the roundtable were united in their commitment to tackling climate change and ensuring that solutions are both sustainable and effective.

This informal meeting highlighted the shared responsibility among island leaders, NGOs, and international donors to work together in reducing the impacts of climate change, developing practical solutions, and fostering stronger communication and collaboration between all parties involved.

Launch of ABC Radio Australia in Kiribati: A Milestone for Media Connectivity

Tarawa, Kiribati – March 19, 2025 – On Wednesday, the Australian High Commission in Tarawa hosted a historic event to mark the launch of ABC Radio Australia in Kiribati. The ceremony, held at the High Commission’s office in Bairiki, brought together a range of dignitaries, media professionals, and local community members to celebrate the re-establishment of this important service.

The keynote opening address was delivered by the Honorable Minister Tekeeua Tarati, who spoke on behalf of the Minister for Communications, Honorable Alexander Teabo. Minister Tarati expressed the significance of the launch, noting how the return of ABC Radio Australia would improve access to vital news and information for the people of Kiribati, as well as strengthen the media ties between Kiribati and Australia.

The event was attended by invited guests, including the Chairman, Director, and officers from the Broadcasting and Publication Authority (BPA), government dignitaries, and representatives from various media organizations. Their presence underscored the importance of this new broadcasting service and its potential to enrich the media landscape of Kiribati.

With the launch of ABC Radio Australia on FM 93.2, listeners in Kiribati will now be able to tune in to high-quality programming from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. This new service is a significant step forward in expanding access to diverse and reliable media content for the people of Kiribati.

This return of ABC Radio Australia to Kiribati represents not only a milestone for local media but also a deepening of the friendship between Australia and Kiribati, with the potential for further collaboration in the future.