Water disinfection method proves successful in Kiribati

Transcript

Kiribati is promoting a new solar water disinfection method that could soon improve health and curb diarrheal disease across the Pacific.

The SODIS method involves heating bottles filled with water on corrugated iron and was launched in Kiribati in an effort to address concerning levels of child mortality and water-borne disease.

The campaign was funded by the European Union and implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

SPC Climate Change Advisor Juliana Ungaro told Koro Vaka'uta a six month trial in South Tarawa proved successful.

JULIANA UNGARO: The focus of project is on climate change and health in Kiribati, focussed on reducing mortality from diarrheal disease in children under five.

KORO VAKA'UTA: And I understand there has been a bit of a trial period, how successful was that period, was that trial?

JU: So first we carried out a scientific research study for SODIS in Kiribati and that showed that SODIS was very successful given the amount of UV radiation and then we launched SODIS in the community in October 2014 and it was tested for the past six months there and the uptake was very good. Approximately 76% of the households are using SODIS and they have reported that the effect it has is reduced diarrheal disease and also respiratory illness in the community and also they've shown that SODIS takes a lot less time and is low cost and is more simple for them.  They have found that it is very successful in the community and really like the effects of it on their lifestyle.    

KV: This solar water disinfection method, it is simple and low-cost. For those that don't know what it is, can you explain the basic principles behind it?

JU: SODIS is Solar Disinfection of Water or exposing of water to the sun in clear bottles.You can use either plastic PET bottles or glass bottles.You expose them to the sun for one full day so you fill up the bottles with contaminated water and then if it is a sunny day you expose them for one full day and if it is a cloudy day for two days. The combined effect of the UV radiation and the heat kill the bacteria in the water and make it safe for consumption.

KV: I guess in some ways too it is also a way to use the plastic bottles or plastic bottles that might otherwise be thrown out, is that another positive?

JU: Yes exactly. We are trying to work with the recycling company in Kiribati that already exports plastic bottles back to New Zealand and work with them so that the bottles can be used for SODIS before they are recycled. So it is quite a benefit.

KV: This is proving popular or successful in Kiribati, in the early stages anyway, are there any plans to have it rolled out in other Pacific areas or islands?

JU: This was first a trial so this was just launched nationally in Kiribati by the Minister of Health and Medical Services so I think so far we are focusing on Kiribati but I think it could definitely be very successful in other Pacific islands as well, especially for responding to disasters. It could be another benefit of it when there isn't safe drinking water across the Pacific sometimes.