Kiribati — Healthy Families project
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The Healthy Families project aims to reduce unplanned pregnancies, and STIs in Kiribati. The project is implemented in partnership with the Kiribati Family Health Association (KFHA), and is funded by New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
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Kiribati has some of the highest needs for sexual and reproductive health services in the Pacific. Their population is predicted to double by 2050, putting significant pressures on already limited resources.
KFHA is a leading NGO service provider in advocating for reproductive health care and in fostering the rights for all individuals in Kiribati. KFHA is a fully accredited member association of the IPPF, and works in close collaboration with the Government of Kiribati through its various partner agencies in addressing sexual reproductive health and rights, including family planning.
The Healthy Families project aims to reduce unplanned pregnancies, and STIs in Kiribati. This is done through activities which increase access to sexual and reproductive health information, skills and services in South Tarawa, Abaiang, Abemama, Aranuka, Butaritari, Marakei and North Tarawa. These islands are home to around 72% of the total Kiribati population.
Through this project, Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa and KFHA partner on a range of activities including:
- Training clinical staff and nurses to improve the quality of sexual and reproductive services delivered
- Training health promotion staff to improve their ability to raise awareness of sexual and reproductive health and services
- Delivering mobile and after-hours sexual health clinics to increase how many people can access services
- Distributing condoms
- Working with youth volunteers, community leaders and church groups to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health and rights
In addition to these practical activities, we also support research and advocacy in order to provide Kiribati leaders, and groups with the information and support they need to continue to improve sexual and reproductive health.
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Kiribati — Healthy Families Project: Kiribati Family Health Association youth volunteers during a condom distribution activity on South Tarawa.
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Tirika Ritai, KFHA’s clinical nurse, conducting a workshop on contraceptive methods.
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KFHA, and Kiribati MOH nurses with Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa nurses who conducted a long-acting contraception refresher workshop in South Tarawa.