rp21 situational analysis - Pacific Health Voices

Parliament, in addition to increased taxes on
alcohol and cigarettes in February 2006 373 —
it is not clear if this task was completed. A
further convention was planned for 2008. 374
The 2001 Dangerous Drugs (Amendment)
Act added the Thorn Apple, with a botanical
name of datura metel and an i-Kiribati
name of Urin Tiaina, as a dangerous drug in
the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. 375
Law enforcement
Kiribati is a member of the PILON and participated
in both the 2007 and 2008 meetings.
The meeting reports did not highlight any
specific drug and alcohol issues, but included
a report on a significant case dealing with
the proceeds of crime. 376 A police informant
reported that police had attempted to address
some of the youth substance use issues by
way of awareness-raising programs with local
youth groups. 377 Police officers were trained
in breathalyser use through a Pacific Police
Project, to support implementation of the
required regulations under the proposed
Traffic Act.
Health
In 2003 tobacco- and alcohol-related illnesses
accounted for almost 10 per cent
of hospital admissions. The Kiribati Government
responded by developing policies
to reduce the harm caused by alcohol and
tobacco, including the endorsement of the
National Strategy to Prevent and Control
Non-Communicable Diseases 2004–2009.
The challenge of converting policies into
changed behaviour, including reduced alcohol
and tobacco consumption, was flagged
at the time. 378 Questions on alcohol and
tobacco consumption in the 2005 Census
were included at the request of the Ministry
of Health. 379 Discouragement of excessive
alcohol consumption was among the initiatives
listed in response to the demographic
data collected in the 2005 Census. 380
Non-government organisations
Kiribati is represented on the Pacific Islands
Association of Non-Governmental Organisations
(PIANGO) by the Kiribati Association of
NGOs (KANGO). Past activities have included
a project funded by the Pacific Regional HIV/
AIDS Project working with Kiribati seafarers
and their wives on HIV prevention. 381 Members
77
373 Ibid.
374 No confirmation that this second convention occurred could be identified.
375 The Thorn Apple is not indigenous to Kiribati, but thought to be smuggled into the country in
the late 1970s or early 1980s. It has similar effects to the coca leaf or Indian hemp.
376 Kiribati Laws are available on the Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute website, at:
(accessed February 2009).
377 Personal communication, July 2009.
378 Above, fn.349.
379 Batiri Bataua above, fn.351.
380 Ibid.
381 National Liaison Unit for Kiribati, available at:
(accessed February 2009).
Kiribati