Local leadership key to COVID-19 preparedness - Kiribati

The Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) COVID-19 response in Kiribati is being delivered in partnership with local community leaders. This ensures communities trust the health information they receive and increases the likelihood they will act on it.

Above: Tierata (pictured) is a catechist in Betio, Kiribati and is one of the many local leaders supporting the AHP COVID-19 response.

Based in Betio, Tierata (pictured) is a catechist with the Catholic Church and is supporting AHP partners to establish handwashing stations at maneabas (traditional meeting houses) and promote good hygiene practices within the community. Maneabas are important places for the communities to connect and socialise, and they are overseen by local religious leaders.

To date, handwashing stations have been installed at 16 maneabas. Led by ChildFund Kiribati and supported by ChildFund New Zealand and Plan International Australia, the handwashing stations and hygiene awareness activities are part of the water, sanitation and hygiene activities delivered through the AHP response. The response is also supporting local production of face masks.

Tierata appreciates the importance of the handwashing stations and masks.

“This is a very good initiative that reminds people about how important washing their hands is and the importance of using masks during any outbreaks,” he said.

An added benefit of the handwashing stations installed as part of the COVID-19 response is that running water is now available for use by pre-school students who attend classes at the maneaba, and the wider community can also use the water.

The AHP COVID-19 response in Kiribati is part of the AHP COVID-19 Pacific and Timor-Leste response. For more information on AHP COVID-19 response activities, visit our COVID-19 Resource Centre.