Health trends
In 2002, the crude birth rate was 31.20 and the crude death rate was 7.80 per 1000 population. The infant mortality rate for Nauru was 12.7 per 1000 live births.
As a result of an effective public health programme focused on water and sanitation, there were no outbreaks of infectious diseases in 2003. However, noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and cancer, have become leading causes of morbidity and mortality, together with respiratory diseases. Rates of obesity are very high. In 2003, the adult diabetes prevalence (30.2 %) was the highest in the world.
Health services
The Government plans to make available a balanced supply of health care providers, including physicians, nurses, other specialized staff and community health workers. Health care services will continue to be provided free of charge to all Nauruans. Nauru General Hospital (NGH) and National Phosphate Corporation (NPC) Hospital amalgamated in July 1999 to become Republic of Nauru Hospital. The hospital has five doctors. Specialist treatment is restricted and usually has to be sought in Australia.
In the 1995-1996 budget, health expenditure amounted to A$ 8.9 million, and accounted for 8.9% of the total government budget, compared with 2.5% in 1991-1992.
Currently, 50% percent of professional staff are expatriates on contract, although training of local staff is planned.