Kiribati Health Strategic Plan 2016-2019.

The vision of the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Health of Kiribati is a healthy population that is well supported by quality health services. The primary goal for the Kiribati Health Strategic Plan for the period 2016-2019 is to improve population health and health equity through continuous improvement in the quality and responsiveness of health services, and by making the most effective and efficient use of available resources. The following six strategic objectives are set out: (i) to strengthen initiatives to reduce the prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases, and to reduce morbidity, disability and mortality from non-communicable diseases; (ii) to increase access to and use of high quality, comprehensive family planning services, particularly for vulnerable populations including women whose health and wellbeing will be at risk if they become pregnant; (iii) to improve maternal, newborn and child health; (iv) to prevent the introduction and spread of communicable diseases, strengthen existing control programmes and ensure Kiribati is prepared for any future outbreaks; (v) to address gaps in health service delivery and strengthen the pillars of the health system; (vi) to improve access to high quality and appropriate health care services for victims of gender based violence, and services that specifically address the needs of youth.
In the context of the first strategic objective (to strengthen initiatives to reduce the prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases, and to reduce morbidity, disability and mortality from non-communicable diseases) the plan aims to strengthen initiatives around healthy eating. The actions foreseen include: (i) to promote food and nutrition guidelines supported by other communication methods and messages about healthy eating, including messages about the link between diet, obesity and disease; (ii) to strengthen and extend outreach activities around community gardening and cooking demonstrations; (iii) to investigate the feasibility and value of introducing requirements for food fortification; (iv) to investigate the public health value of greater disclosure of food ingredients and nutritional information.