Preventable childhood hearing impairment is a significant cause of disability in Kiribati. A needs analysis found that over 25% of all cases at Tungaru Central Hospital (TCH) are ear, nose, and throat related, but in contrast to other Pacific Island countries, no ear clinic exists at the hospital.

If left untreated, ear infections can lead to more serious complications, including mastoiditis (inflammation of a bone adjacent to the ear), perforation of the eardrum, and hearing loss, causing developmental delays in children and perpetuating cycles of vulnerability.

Tene and Atiri, two I-Kiribati nurses, are the primary providers of ear health services in Kiribati. They are key to the health system and treat all kinds of ear health problems, including discharging ears, wax and foreign body removals, ear infections, and preparing patients with surgical needs for visiting medical teams.

The establishment of a nurse-led ear clinic has been earmarked as a priority need by the Kiribati Ministry of Health and Medical Services. The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), funded through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) will assist to establish such a clinic at Tungaru Central Hospital in Kiribati.

The project will include the refurbishment of a designated space in the hospital, and the procurement of vital ear health equipment. Importantly, Tene and Atiri as well as other nurses will be supported to enhance their ear health expertise by completing training attachments, and participating in ear health nursing courses in Kiribati.