How UNICEF Australia and Rotary are supporting communities in Kiribati to protect girls from cervical cancer.
In Kiribati – a Pacific island nation just north of Samoa – a simple vaccine is helping to protect girls from cervical cancer and safeguard their futures.
For many girls in Australia, the HPV vaccine is a routine part of growing up, delivered free through school programs. It protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can cause cervical cancer – the fourth most common cancer among women globally. Given early, it offers powerful, long-term protection.
In Kiribati, that same protection takes far more effort. With communities spread across remote islands and cervical cancer rates significantly higher, reaching every child depends on careful planning, strong partnerships, and the trust of families and health workers working together.
UNICEF Australia travelled to Kiribati with longtime partner Rotary to support UNICEF’s vaccination program, delivered in collaboration with Kiribati's Ministry of Health and Medical Services. Together they saw firsthand how communities, health workers and families are working to protect girls' health and futures.
A little jab for a big future
Every parent wants their child to grow and thrive. For Teerimwa, she knew that letting her nine-year-old daughter, Fender, receive the HPV vaccine would protect her from cervical cancer and give her a healthy future.
“At first, I felt worried and anxious, but now I’m happy because I understand it’s for our child’s safety,” says Teerimwa.
"I’m grateful for this visit because it has given me confidence that our children will now be protected from potential problems in the future starting from today. I extend my heartfelt gratitude, and on behalf of the children who have also received this vaccine, I thank the team for this invaluable gift."
Teerimwa, Mother
Katarina administers the HPV vaccine on a girl in Kiribati.
As a medical assistant, Katarina has seen the difference the HPV vaccine can make – not just for individual girls, but for entire communities. One of her favourite parts of her work is helping to prevent illnesses, especially in growing children.
“We want them to develop in good health from an early age,” says Katrina. “We’re grateful that there are preventive medications available – and as nurses, we have a responsibility to administer these lifesaving treatments.”
The HPV vaccine hasn't always been available in Kiribati. Today, programs focused on prevention are helping health workers like Katarina give children a stronger start – and protection that lasts into adulthood.
With the support of programs like the HPV vaccination program, healthcare professionals like Katarina can make great strides in giving the children of Kiribati a better start and a healthy future.
"We will watch these children grow into adults, get married, and remain protected from this virus because they have been vaccinated against cervical cancer."
Katarina, Medical Assistant, For every child, immunisation
The UNICEF Australia, UNICEF Kiribati and Rotary team coming together in Kiribati.
World Immunisation Week 2026 (24 to 30 April 2026) is focusing on the theme "For every generation, vaccines work", a reminder that vaccines represent a lasting impact, protecting individuals and future generations.
Thanks to the support of the ‘Rotary Give Every Child a Future’ program, UNICEF has been able to work with Pacific governments over the past seven years to deliver lifesaving vaccines in some of the hardest-to-reach communities.
In Kiribati, progress is already visible. All 15 health facilities on the main island have delivered HPV vaccinations through schools, backed by a coordinated approach that includes school‑based programs, fixed health‑facility sessions and community outreach, alongside efforts to strengthen data quality.
Rotary Project Director James Allen, seeing firsthand the healthcare workers administer the HPV vaccine
"It has taken a long time but it is very satisfying to see first-hand these vaccines being delivered to these children."
James Allen, Rotary Project Director
This incredible achievement is only possible through partnership. Thanks to the support of Rotary and those who generously donated to the ‘Rotary Give Every Child a Future’ program, more girls in Kiribati are protected today – and more futures are safeguarded for tomorrow.
Every child deserves the same protection against preventable diseases, no matter where they live. Together, we can support communities, local partners and in the Pacific and beyond, creating a ripple effect of good health practices for generations to come.
By Andrea Andres Senior Content Producer, UNICEF Australia
24 April 26
