Kiribati: health and care

What share of adults in Kiribati are obese?

48% of adults and 46% of children and adolescents in Kiribati were obese in 2023, according to the Kiribati 2023 Health Report from the Kiribati National Statistics Office and the Pacific Community (SPC). The same report found that 11% of people reported hypertension and 8% diabetes, and that 43.8% of the population experienced food insecurity.

The figures come from the health module of the 2023–24 household income and expenditure survey, so they reflect what households reported rather than clinic records. Obesity was measured with body mass index, using World Health Organization cut-off points. Only 6% of the population reported spending on health, and traditional healers were the most common item of that spending.

Official sources: KNSO and SPC: Kiribati 2023 Health Report (PDF)

How many people in Kiribati have a disability?

5.6% of people aged five and over in Kiribati had a disability at the 2020 census, a rise of 2.1 percentage points in five years, according to a disability monograph published by the Kiribati National Statistics Office in June 2025. Among people aged 50 and over the rate was 19.3%.

The census used the Washington Group questions, which ask about difficulty with everyday activities rather than medical conditions, so the results can be compared across countries. Rates were higher in rural areas (6.4%) than in urban centres (5.0%). The literacy rate was 73.1% for people with a disability and 95.6% for those without.

Official sources: KNSO: Disability monograph release

What is the life expectancy in Kiribati?

Life expectancy at birth in Kiribati was 62.3 years in 2023, according to World Health Organization estimates in its Global Health Observatory. It was 58.8 years for men and 66.0 years for women.

WHO's figures are modelled estimates built from census, survey and death registration data, so they can differ from national figures. The Pacific Community's National Minimum Development Indicators hold a figure of 62.2 years from the 2010 census. The National Statistics Office's births and deaths page carries its vital statistics releases.

Official sources: WHO GHO: Life expectancy at birth · SPC: National Minimum Development Indicators, health · NSO: Births and deaths

How common is tuberculosis in Kiribati?

The World Health Organization estimates that tuberculosis incidence in Kiribati was 945 new cases per 100,000 people in 2024, within a range of 769 to 1,140, according to its Global Health Observatory indicator on tuberculosis incidence. The same indicator gives 264 for the Federated States of Micronesia and 44 for Vanuatu.

Incidence counts all new and relapse cases, including those not diagnosed, so WHO models it from case notifications and other data; the range shows the uncertainty. The Pacific Community's health indicators give 533 per 100,000 for 2023. When comparing figures from different sources, check the year each refers to and when it was published.

Official sources: WHO GHO: Incidence of tuberculosis · SPC: National Minimum Development Indicators, health

How long do people live in Kiribati?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2024, is 66.6 years. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 28th highest of 30 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 71.5 years. World rank, highest first: 156th of 193.

What is the infant mortality rate in Kiribati?

The UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation puts the infant mortality rate in Kiribati at 38.8 per 1,000 in 2024. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 13.9 per 1,000, and Kiribati placed 1st highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 28th of 192.

How many women die in childbirth in Kiribati?

The WHO puts the maternal mortality ratio in Kiribati at 80.0 per 100,000 in 2023. That is the lowest since at least 2005. It is 16th highest of 30 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 82.0 per 100,000. World rank, highest first: 73rd of 192.

What is Kiribati's health spending?

In 2023, current health spending in Kiribati was 10.9% of GDP, according to the WHO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 7.2% of GDP (2015) to 13.7% of GDP (2020). It is 5th highest of 29 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 5.9% of GDP. Of 191 countries with 2023 data, 17th highest.

What is out-of-pocket health spending in Kiribati?

The WHO puts out-of-pocket health spending in Kiribati at 2.9% in 2023. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 12.2%, and Kiribati placed 25th highest of 29. Of 191 countries with 2023 data, 187th highest.

How many hospital beds does Kiribati have?

According to the WHO, hospital beds per 1,000 people in Kiribati was 1.9 per 1,000 in 2016. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 2.5 per 1,000, and Kiribati placed 13th highest of 17. Of 140 countries with 2016 data, 91st highest.

What is measles vaccine coverage in Kiribati?

In 2024, measles vaccination among children aged 12 to 23 months in Kiribati was 79.0%, according to WHO and UNICEF. Its high point since 2005 was 2019, at 94.0%; its low point was 2006, at 61.0%. It is 24th highest of 30 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 91.0%. Of 191 countries with 2024 data, 147th highest.