Between 2020 and 2024, the World Bank has facilitated health system improvements in Kiribati, Samoa, and Tuvalu, impacting around 340,000 people. In Samoa, rural district health facilities have expanded their staff to meet screening targets for hypertension and diabetes in 12 of 34 districts. "According to a survey, 97 percent of people screened reported substantially improved knowledge and awareness of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) risk factors," according to the press release.
Kiribati saw significant participation in training programs among its health workforce and upgraded transport services for hospitals covering most of the population. Tuvalu's Princess Margaret Hospital is undergoing upgrades to enhance essential health services access and reduce reliance on overseas referrals.
Tuafafa Latasi, Minister for Health and Social Welfare in Tuvalu, expressed satisfaction with the project: "I am glad that the World Bank is funding this [health system strengthening project] and I’m sure that it will be important for us to deliver better services to people in the outer islands."
Dr. Tekeua Uriam Kabiri from Kiribati appreciated the support: “We are thankful to the World Bank for this health system strengthening project, which is helping us move toward providing better access to underprivileged populations across Kiribati.”
Siufaga Simi from Samoa highlighted program benefits: “The beauty of having this health system strengthening program is that we expand on preventing and treating non-communicable diseases."
Challenges faced by Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) include dispersed populations over vast ocean areas, leading to difficulties in healthcare management despite commitments to universal coverage. High rates of NCDs contribute significantly to premature mortality and disability.
Since 2016, continuous engagement by the World Bank with Pacific SIDS has aimed at understanding these challenges better through advisory services and analytics. Innovations like results-based approaches in Samoa have leveraged community groups for health promotion.
In Samoa, initiatives such as PEN Fa’a Samoa have focused on detecting and managing NCDs through public advocacy campaigns. The country uses a unique financing instrument from the World Bank’s Program for Results.
In Kiribati, digital systems have enhanced patient data management at national referral hospitals. New ambulances have been introduced across major hospitals serving a large portion of the population.
Tuvalu has made strides in improving its sole hospital's facilities while also planning future expansions. Digital communication improvements through Starlink are expected by 2027.
These projects receive substantial financial backing from international grants alongside support from partners like Australia and New Zealand who contribute additional resources towards expanding these programs regionally.
Looking ahead, regional collaboration strategies are being explored following requests by Pacific Islands Forum Leaders aiming at shared solutions beyond individual country efforts against growing NCD epidemics within these communities.