Doctors Without Borders Addresses Water Insecurity in Kiribati Amidst Climate Change Impacts
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is actively working in Kiribati to combat the severe impacts of climate change on water security and public health. The island nation, particularly areas like Abaiang, faces critical challenges due to saltwater intrusion, land erosion, and diminished freshwater sources, which have led to an increased risk of waterborne diseases and skin infections. MSF's water, sanitation, and hygiene team in Tabontebike is reinforcing water infrastructure in schools and clinics, protecting groundwater, improving rainwater harvesting and storage, and upgrading sanitation facilities. This effort is part of a broader climate-sensitive disease approach, conducted in close collaboration with local health workers and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, to strengthen climate-resilient health systems. The organization also addresses non-communicable diseases, especially among women and children, and implements a unique healthcare waste management project.
