The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) welcomes the commencement of the Kiribati COVID-19 vaccination program now under way in South Tarawa. Kiribati received its first batch of 24,000 vaccine doses through the COVAX Facility on Tuesday 25 May 2021 and commenced vaccination on Wednesday 26 May 2021.
The vaccines will be prioritized and provided to 20% of the population. These include frontline and essential workers, the vulnerable and older citizens who stand a higher risk to contracting COVID-19.
Local physician, Dr. Tabutoa Eria became the first I-Kiribati to be vaccinated. Upon receiving his jab, Dr. Tabutoa commented “this vaccine is so important as it will protect our communities and prevent further impact of this deadly virus. As health care workers, we are being vaccinated to protect our families and those who are most at risk”.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) have completed the vaccination of all front-line workers in South Tarawa and has begun vaccinating border control and essential service workers in Betio, Bairiki and Bonriki.
TAK CEO, Petero Manufolau has welcomed the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccines stating that it is an essential step to protecting the people of Kiribati against the pandemic and to preparing the island nation for international tourism. He added that the Tourism Authority of Kiribati will work closely with all relevant stakeholders to prepare the destination for a smarter and more sustainable restart to tourism once the Government of Kiribati (GoK) opens its borders.
