News & Updates

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) stands better prepared to face future emergencies after WHO-led risk profiling and emergency surge workforce exercise

September 20, 2025

From 15–19 September 2025, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), hosted a five-day national workshop aimed at strengthening the country’s preparedness for health emergencies. The event included a three-day exercise to develop FSM’s national emergency risk profile, a one-day session focused on mapping and strengthening the emergency surge workforce, and a one-day training for national facilitators to lead future preparedness activities.

Yap Hosts 4th Annual FSM Digital Health Conference

September 10, 2025

Yap, FSM – In its effort to improve access to and better health outcome, the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs held its 4th Annual digital health conference in the State of Yap from September 1-5, 2025. This is a significant milestone in its journey toward a digital health environment. The weeklong event brought together key national and state stakeholders, global partners, and technical experts to align efforts, share challenges, and build actionable strategies around FSM’s digital health transformation. Building on the themes of strategic alignment, infrastructure development, cybersecurity, capacity building, and action planning, this conference emphasized intergovernmental collaboration, capacity development, and the responsible advancement of digital health tools and policies.

Successful 14th Biennial National Food Safety and Health Certification Training

September 9, 2025

KOSRAE, FSM - The 14th Biennial National Food Safety and Health Certification Training was held from August 22nd to 28th, 2025. This session included the A+ Food Safety Verification Services Consultant, Mr. Hans A. Buik, The National Environmental Health staff, state Sanitation and EPA representatives, as well as kitchen staff from Chuuk State Hospital. This event focused on enhancing food safety knowledge among food inspectors at both national and state levels across all four states. Participants gained valuable insights into the government's role in regulatory controls and the importance of maintaining safe food practices.

FSM Health Advisory: Measles Prevention & Vaccination Reminder

July 24, 2025

The FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs is urging families to ensure their children are fully vaccinated against measles amid a growing outbreak in the U.S. Although no cases have been reported locally, FSM remains at risk due to international travel. With Pohnpei’s current vaccination coverage at 68%, far below the 95% target, the Department is reminding the public that routine vaccines are free and highly effective. Protect your children and the community—get vaccinated.

FSM Health Department and UNICEF Equip Health Workers with Communication Skills to Boost Immunization

July 23, 2025

FSM Department of Health – July 18, 2025 - Public Health workers including health assistants in Pohnpei and Chuuk States are gaining new skills to better connect with families and improve immunization coverage, thanks to a series of Interpersonal Communication (IPC) Skills workshops organized by the FSM National Department of Health and Social Affairs in collaboration with the Pohnpei and Chuuk State Departments of Health, with technical support from UNICEF and the FSM National Immunization Program Manager, Mr. Carter Apaisam.

FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs Opens New Field Office in Yap

July 18, 2025

YAP, FSM – The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Department of Health & Social Affairs proudly inaugurated its new Field Office in Yap on July 18, 2025. The event coincided with the presence of national health leadership in Yap, following the conclusion of the 2025 Health Directors’ Meeting. The establishment of the Field Office marks a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration and coordination between the National Government and the State of Yap. This new office underscores the Department’s commitment to bringing services closer to the people and ensuring a more responsive and connected health system across all FSM states.

“A Nation in Crisis”: FSM Health Leaders Sound the Alarm on Non-Communicable Diseases and Commit to Bold Action

July 17, 2025

YAP, FSM – Health leaders from across the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) gathered in Yap for a three-day national health convening, joined by FSM MiCare and development partners including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organization (WHO). While a range of pressing health issues were addressed, the summit underscored a sobering reality: FSM is in the midst of a full-scale Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) crisis requiring urgent and coordinated action.

Building Digital Citizen for a New Era – An Outcome of the FSM Digital Gender Project

July 1, 2025

The FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs has released key findings from the Digital Literacy & Access Survey conducted in Pohnpei. Part of the FSM Digital Gender Project and funded by the World Bank, the survey highlights strong enthusiasm for technology among youth—93% are eager to use digital tools—but also reveals major challenges such as limited internet access, data security concerns, and rural disparities. These insights will guide targeted efforts to improve digital literacy, online safety, and infrastructure across the FSM.

Notice of Public Hearing for PHHS Block Grant Workplan Review 2025

June 25, 2025

The FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs, through the Preventive Health Block Grant (PHHS) Advisory Committee, will hold a public hearing on July 27, 2024, at 12:00 PM Pohnpei/Kosrae time (11:00 AM Chuuk/Yap time) to present and receive public input on the proposed 2025 FSM PHHS Block Grant Community Projects. These projects focus on expanding access to safe and clean water for underserved communities, combating noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) through sports and youth engagement, and addressing sexual offenses. The hearing will take place both in person at the Riverside Conference Room and virtually via Zoom. All interested persons are encouraged to attend and participate. Written comments and objections must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the date of the hearing and addressed to the Preventive Health Council Secretariat, Mr. Scott Mori, via email at smori@fsmhealth.fm. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities upon request.

Medical Team from the Philippines Assisted Chuuk

May 30, 2025

A 14-member medical team consisting of medical doctors, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, anesthesiology, pediatrics, surgery, public health; specialized nurses; biomedical technologists, specializing in biomedical engineering, and medical imaging visited Chuuk from May 5-18, 2025 to support Chuuk Hospital medical staff. The team saw 235 patients and performed life-saving procedures and surgeries on 17 patients. They also fixed 29 medical equipment that had been idle; conducted basic emergency training in obstetrics and newborn care; provided prenatal care screening; and conducted continuing medical education to the local staff.

FSM National Government hands over more than $32,000 in medication and medical supplies to Pohnpei State

February 19, 2025

The Pohnpei State Government has received a vital donation of essential medications and medical supplies worth over $32,000 from the FSM National Government. In a brief handover ceremony, Acting Secretary of the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs, Mr. Moses Pretrick, officially presented the supplies to Governor Stevenson A. Joseph and Director Stuard Penias.

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.

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) stands better prepared to face future emergencies after WHO-led risk profiling and emergency surge workforce exercise

September 20, 2025

Yap Hosts 4th Annual FSM Digital Health Conference

September 10, 2025

Building on the themes of strategic alignment, infrastructure development, cybersecurity, capacity building, and action planning, this conference emphasized intergovernmental collaboration, capacity development, and the responsible advancement of digital health tools and policies.

Successful 14th Biennial National Food Safety and Health Certification Training

September 9, 2025

KOSRAE, FSM – The 14th Biennial National Food Safety and Health Certification Training was held from August 22nd to 28th, 2025. This session included the A+ Food Safety Verification Services Consultant, Mr. Hans A. Buik, The National Environmental Health staff, state Sanitation and EPA representatives, as well as kitchen staff from Chuuk State Hospital. This event focused on enhancing food safety knowledge among food inspectors at both national and state levels across all four states. Participants gained valuable insights into the government’s role in regulatory controls and the importance of maintaining safe food practices.

FSM Health & Social Affairs and Department of Education Interagency Summit

September 2, 2025

On August 25 – 29, 2025 the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs (Family Health Services Unit) in collaboration with the FSM Department of Education (Special Education Division) held an historic Interagency (IAC) Summit at the Pohnpei State Department of Health Conference Room. The IAC Summit brought together MCH / CSHCN, SpED Coordinators and family representatives from all four states of the FSM. Also in attendant were medical physicians and the Secretary of Health and Social Affairs, Hon. Secretary Samo, Acting Secretary of Education Hon. Albert, and Chief of Public Health for Pohnpei State Mr. Semenson Ehpel.

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) stands better prepared to face future emergencies after WHO-led risk profiling and emergency surge workforce exercise

From 15–19 September 2025, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), hosted a five-day national workshop aimed at...