FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs

News & Updates

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.

UNFPA Pacific and FSM DHSA Courtesy Meeting on MCP7 Implementation

On September 19, 2024, UNFPA Pacific Resident Representative and Director, supported by the UNFPA-FSM team, had a courtesy meeting with FSM DHSA Acting Secretary Hon. Moses Pretrick and key department staff. The objective of the courtesy meeting is to strengthen partnership and collaboration between UNFPA and DHSA, discuss the implementation of MCP7 implementation, and explore how UNFPA can better tailor its support to FSM DHSA.

1ST FSM PHARMACEUTICAL UNIT TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEETING

The FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs, with support from the WHO, held the inaugural FSM Pharmaceutical Unit Technical Committee meeting in Chuuk on August 6-7, 2024. The gathering included pharmacists and representatives from various bodies and aimed to formalize the committee, elect officers, develop a workplan, review regulations for pharmaceutical licensing, and discuss a new nicotine delivery systems law. Originally scheduled for three days, the meeting successfully concluded in two, achieving all objectives. The Department and Committee thanked the WHO and Chuuk State Health Services for their support and hospitality.

FSM Joined the Rest of the Pacific in High Level Discussions and Calls for More Investments in Gender Equality and Development

A high-level delegation from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) participated in the 15th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women, the 8th Meeting of Pacific Ministers for Women, and the 2024 Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands. These three distinct meetings were condensed into one week, with discussions centered on gender issues informed by regional and international policy frameworks aimed at advancing gender equality.

17 & Under FSM Basketball and Volleyball Games

FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs successfully hosted the second 17 & Under FSM Basketball and Volleyball Games, a crucial event aimed at promoting youth athletic development and a platform for promoting health, goodwill and unity. Initially planned to take place in Yap but due to challenges with flight schedule the venue was changed to Pohnpei who hosted the previous year.  The Games saw athletes from Chuuk and Pohnpei come together to compete, while Yap and Kosrae were unable to participate...

Recent 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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »
Announcement – Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Announcement – Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

January 6, 2025 Announcement,Health News
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)...
Read More
FSM Attended 2024 World Conference on Traditional Medicine

FSM Attended 2024 World Conference on Traditional Medicine

December 20, 2024 News
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...
Read More
FSM and the Philippines Entered into a Partnership for Visiting Medical Teams

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

December 16, 2024 News
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...
Read More
Health Promoting School Discussed

Health Promoting School Discussed

December 9, 2024 News
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...
Read More
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