Transcript
Ten years ago, sexually transmitted infections were a critical health issue in Kiribati. A World Health Organisation survey in 2006 showed increasing incidents of both STIs and HIV in the country with Chlamydia being endemic among both pregnant women and seafarers. It also showed increasing rates of teenage pregnancy. Tamoa Moannata says people in Kiribati are generally not aware of their sexual health and rights but the association has been working hard to change that.
"We have done an awareness programs with the communities. We have carried out consultations with the traditional leaders, councillors, heads of households, a group of women and young people."
Ms Moannata says religious beliefs have led to more modern forms of contraception being considered sinful among locals. She says the Billing's Ovulation method, which helps women monitor their fertility by using colourful beads that track their menstrual cycle, is the only method accepted by the Catholic church to which most I-Kiribati belong to.
"The catholic women and also the men, they found it very easy to use it. Because, you know, in these cycle beads it has different colours and they know colours that they will fertilize eggs."
Abitara Tekeke says the association has pushed towards engaging more men in their programmes to help improve access to family planning.
"Mens are the, you know, the boss in the family and they are the ones that take control. So right now we are trying to target them and trying to get them to really know what really - especially the benefits - what are the benefits that they will get out from this sexual and reproductive health and rights. And to allow women, at least they give them room to discuss and what's best...we believe in the family planning that women's roles are very important in the family."
Mr Tekeke says the only way they have been able to implement programmes on sexual and reproductive health and rights in rural areas is by approaching village chiefs and using a holistic program that addresses health and well being.
"We developed an SP (strategic plan) that covered everything. Every aspect of their life, like not only health but also development, peace, and also to preserve the environment. And then we integrate health as part of it. And in that way they accepted it and they see that 'oooh it's very important".
Mr Tekeke says the success of convincing rural chiefs allowed them to implement their programs into the wider communities.
"So we approached from the top, from the leaders. Then when we get the permission then we go on to the men, who is the head of households. After that we go to the women and the last was the youth groups."
Mr Tekeke says winning over the men is key.
"Men listen to men. We have a role that's very important important for our, not only for our family but also for the nation. Because it's all about our choice. Because you are the first one to give authority and to authorize everything that you think is the best for you and for your country."
With the Health Ministry's support, KFHA has further trained another 20 community educators who are continuing to build networks and mobilising the strategic plans that have been implemented in communities.
