FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs

News & Updates

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

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

The FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs, through the Preventive Health Block Grant (PHHS) Advisory Committee, will hold a public hearing on July 17, 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

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

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)

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

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

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

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.

Handover Ceremony of Solar Water Purification Systems in Chuuk State

Chuuk State, November 27, 2024 – A significant milestone for the outer islands of Chuuk State was celebrated today with the handover of 15 solar water purification systems, marking an important step towards improving access to clean water for underserved communities. The ceremony, held in Chuuk, was attended by key dignitaries, including Acting Assistant Secretary Augustine Sue, who delivered remarks on behalf of Secretary Samo; the Chief of Staff representing the Chuuk State Governor; Kevin J. Petrini, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative and Country Manager for the Pacific Office in FSM; and Dr. Dorina Fred, representing the Chuuk State Department of Health Services.

Handover of Yap Day Care Center

Yap, Federated States of Micronesia – The Yap Day Care Center celebrated its official handover on November 26, 2024, marking a significant achievement in the commitment to early childhood education and the empowerment of women in the Yap community. The event was attended by Takiko Ifamilik, Digital Gender Coordinator, who represented the FSM Department of Health on behalf of Secretary Samo and coordinated the event.

2nd Annual Surveillance Training

From November 12-15, 2025, the Department of Health & Social Affairs (DHSA), with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), will host its 2nd Annual Disease Surveillance Training Workshop at the Pohnpei State Hospital Conference. This workshop is a collaborative effort between the Public Health Hospital Emergency Preparedness Program and the Immunization Program, aimed at enhancing syndromic surveillance and integrating vaccine-preventable disease surveillance. Additionally, it focuses on revitalizing Hospital-Based Active Surveillance and implementing strategies for the elimination of Measles and Rubella in the FSM.

Acting WHO Representative Dr. Josaia Tiko Pays Courtesy Visit to FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs

On September 26, 2024, Acting WHO Representative (WR) Dr. Josaia Tiko paid a courtesy visit to the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs. Dr. Tiko was received by Acting Secretary Moses Pretrick and his staff, where they discussed ongoing collaborations and the support efforts provided by WHO to the Department. Dr. Tiko is serving as Acting WR for FSM, Palau, and RMI until December 2024, assisting with the transition of the WHO Office in Pohnpei from a Country Liaison Officer (CLO) to a WR office. The Department welcomes Acting WR Dr. Josaia Tiko to his new post within the FSM.

Recent News & Updates

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.

Read More »

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 17, 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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

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

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

July 1, 2025 News,Health News
The FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs has released key findings from the Digital Literacy & Access Survey conducted in Pohnpei. Part of the...
Read More
Notice of Public Hearing for PHHS Block Grant Workplan Review 2025

Notice of Public Hearing for PHHS Block Grant Workplan Review 2025

June 25, 2025 News,Announcement
The FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs, through the Preventive Health Block Grant (PHHS) Advisory Committee, will hold a public hearing on July 17...
Read More
Medical Team from the Philippines Assisted Chuuk

Medical Team from the Philippines Assisted Chuuk

May 30, 2025 News,Health News
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...
Read More
FSM National Government hands over more than $32,000 in medication and medical supplies to Pohnpei State

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

February 19, 2025 News
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...
Read More
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