Kiribati : Climate-Resilient Health Infrastructure and Systems Project

The proposed Climate-Resilient Health Infrastructure and Systems Project will be the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) first investment in the health sector in Kiribati. ADB will work closely with New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) to complement their investments in health systems and infrastructure. Other development partners in the health sector include World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, The Pacific Community, and the governments of Australia, People's Republic of China, Japan, Republic of Korea, and the United States of America, who are supporting the pandemic response through donations of personal protective equipment; GeneXpert machines with testing cartridges; other medical supplies; water, sanitation, and hygiene items; and risk communication.The proposed project will improve access to climate-resilient and quality health services for more than half of Kiribati's population by improving health facilities, service delivery, infection control, and sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Placing women and climate at the center, the project will tackle the urgent need for a disaster-resilient and decarbonized health system that meets the needs of women and other vulnerable groups. The beneficiaries include all residents of South Tarawa (about 63,000 people).The proposed project is aligned with ADB's Strategy 2030 priorities of addressing remaining poverty and reducing inequalities and accelerating progress in gender equality. It is consistent with the Pacific Approach, 2021-2025 priority of preparing for, responding to, and improving resilience to health shocks through stronger health systems. It will contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 3 "to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages" by supporting Kiribati's journey towards universal health coverage.