"Adventists in Kiribati Joins the Global Celebration of World Health Day: 7 April 2025"

TARAWA, KIRIBATI, 7 April 2025 - Today, in observance of World Health Day, government offices across Kiribati are closed as the nation joins the global community in celebrating this important public holiday.

World Health Day, celebrated annually on April 7, highlights key health issues and promotes awareness around building healthier lives for all. It is a time for reflection on the progress made in health and wellness, as well as an opportunity to strengthen the commitment to a healthier future for every individual in Kiribati and beyond.

​The theme for World Health Day 2025 is "Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures." This year's campaign focuses on improving maternal and newborn health by urging governments and the health community to intensify efforts to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths and to prioritize women's long-term health and well-being. ​

The Kiribati Adventist community came together in a vibrant celebration of World Health Day, organized by the Health Department of the Kiribati SDA Mission. The event featured a Church combine sports day at the Mission compound, where church members, including the Mum Fitness group from Nanikaai, engaged in a variety of fun and energetic activities like volleyball, head ball, and tunnel ball.

This was followed by a combined vegetarian lunch at the Korobu Church maneaba, where participants enjoyed healthy dishes, free from rice, and water was the only beverage served, emphasizing the importance of hydration and balanced nutrition. Mission Health Director,

Mrs. Teera Katarake, expressed her delight in the success of this year's health program, saying, "It was good to see many women joining our health celebration today, as women play a major role in this year's World Health Day theme, which focuses on their health and well-being." The event not only highlighted the significance of physical activity and healthy eating but also reinforced the central role women play in fostering a healthier, more vibrant community in Kiribati.

This year's observance marks the start of a year-long campaign dedicated to supporting healthy pregnancies, safe childbirth, and better postnatal care. The initiative emphasizes the importance of quality care for women and babies, aiming to ensure that every woman and baby not only survive but thrive. ​

The campaign also highlights the need to address issues such as access to skilled health providers, postnatal support, and comprehensive care that includes mental health services. Additionally, it calls for the implementation of family-friendly policies and the empowerment of women and girls to make informed decisions about their health. ​