News & Updates

Announcement – Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

January 6, 2025

The FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs advises the public about ongoing influenza-like illness (ILI) in the FSM, which may indicate pertussis (whooping cough). Pertussis, caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria, is a highly contagious respiratory infection. Since October 30, 2024, Kosrae has reported two cases. Pertussis symptoms include severe coughing fits with a “whooping” sound, difficulty breathing, vomiting after coughing, exhaustion, mild fever, and a runny nose. Complications can be severe, especially for infants and young children, potentially leading to pneumonia, seizures, or death. To protect yourself and others, stay up-to-date on vaccinations, practice good hygiene by wearing a mask if sick, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and washing hands frequently. Stay informed about health advisories and promptly seek medical care if symptoms arise.

FSM Attended 2024 World Conference on Traditional Medicine

December 20, 2024

At the invitation of His Excellency Lei Haichao, Minister of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, FSM sent a delegation to the 2024 World Health Conference on Traditional Medicine held in Beijing from December 3-4, 2024. The Delegation members from the FSM Department of Health included Secretary Marcus Samo, Chief Pharmacist Resel Elias, Ambassador Vincent Sivas, and First Secretary Johnson Hendrick.

FSM and the Philippines Entered into a Partnership for Visiting Medical Teams

December 16, 2024

While attending the Conference on Philippine-Pacific Partnership on Sustainable Health Workforce for Health Security from November 27-29, 2024 in Makati, Philippines, Secretary Marcus Samo met his counterpart from the Republic of the Philippine Department Health, Secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, to discussed health issues of mutual concerns. The discussion concluded in a form of signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two secretaries. The MOU provided for the Philippines Government to field specialized visiting medical teams to the FSM in obstetrics and gynecology to provide training to medical staff and for the FSM to cover transportation and accommodation cost. It is hope that such partnership will lead to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates. Through the MOU, FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs will identify the medical specialty and the Philippines Department of Health will source the medical team.

Health Promoting School Discussed

December 9, 2024

On December 9, 2024, T.H. Secretary Gardenia Aisek of the FSM Department of Education and T.H. Marcus Samo of the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs, along with T.H. Dr. Margarita Cholymay of Chuuk State Department of Education discussed the Health Promoting School (HPS) concept as a way to improve health and learning at the schools. Promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO), the HPS concept is an opportunity for education and health to come together for the common purpose – improving health of students, families, and communities . Prior to this meeting, Dr Cholymay, Secretary Aisek, and FSM Nutritionist Mr. Steward Molens attended a WHO regional conference on HPS where countries interested in the HPS discussed strategies and technical assistance support.