News & Updates

FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs 2025 Retreat

January 23, 2026

PALIKIR, POHNPEI – The Department of Health & Social Affairs (DHSA) successfully held its annual staff retreat on Friday, January 16, 2026, reflecting on the achievements of 2025 and setting a direction for the year ahead. The day began with a formal staff meeting at the DHSA main office. Secretary Marcus Samo opened the session by presenting a comprehensive overview of each program's performance and activities throughout 2025. He reviewed progress against the goals outlined in the Health Strategic Development Plan, emphasizing the critical impact of the Department’s work on the health and well-being of all citizens across the nation.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST – Operations Supervisor (Yap Digital Village)

January 22, 2026

The Department of Health & Social Affairs, under the Digital FSM Project funded by the World Bank, is seeking to hire an Operations Supervisor for the Digital Village Initiative. The Digital FSM Project aims to improve internet access and support digital government services and the digital economy in the Federated States of Micronesia. As part of this project, the Digital Village Initiative works with local communities, in partnership with the Yap Women’s Association, to build a sustainable and inclusive digital environment. The Operations Supervisor will be responsible for overseeing daily operations of the Digital Village, ensuring smooth implementation of activities, and supporting community engagement and outreach efforts related to digital literacy and digital entrepreneurship.

2025 FSM High School Holiday Games Conclude in Pohnpei

January 7, 2026

The FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs reports the successful conclusion of the 2025 FSM High School Holiday Games, which were held from December 19 to December 29, 2025, at the Pohnpei Gymnasium and the College of Micronesia–FSM National Gym also known as the China-FSM Friendship Gym. The annual tournament brought together high school teams from across the Federated States of Micronesia, with participation from Pohnpei, Chuuk, and Kosrae States. The Games provided student-athletes with an opportunity to compete at the national level, strengthen teamwork, and promote youth development through sport. Yap State did not participate in this year’s event.

Vacancy Announcement: Gender Administrative Officer

January 5, 2026

The FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs is seeking a qualified candidate with experience facilitating training on gender, GBV, or safeguarding, a university degree in a relevant field, strong Microsoft and financial reporting skills, and excellent communication and people management abilities. Click for more info.

MCH/Family Planning Annual Meeting Public Relations Announcement

December 12, 2025

The FSM Maternal and Child Health (MCH and Family Planning Programs successfully concluded their Annual Meeting held in Yap State from November 25 – 28, 2025. This year’s gathering brought together program coordinators and key partners from other programs to review progress, share insight, and strengthen collaboration for the years ahead.

FSM HEALTH ICT TEAM CONDUCTS SUCCESSFUL REVERSE SITE VISIT TO PALAU MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

November 20, 2025

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Department of Health and Social Affairs Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Team successfully completed a reverse site visit to the Republic of Palau Ministry of Health and Human Services from November 10 to 14, 2025. The purpose of the visit was to conduct an in-depth review of Palau’s national Health Information System, Tamanu, which the FSM is preparing to deploy as its unified national health information platform in the near future.

Handing over of container laboratories to the FSM states from the Japanese Embassy

November 18, 2025

Pohnpei, November 18, 2025 – In a remarkable advancement in enhancing public health infrastructure and improving response capabilities to infectious disease outbreaks, the Japanese Embassy has formally transferred cutting-edge container laboratories to the Department of Health Services in the States of Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk. This significant handover was attended virtually by state health directors and in person by healthcare professionals from both the national and Pohnpei State Health Services, as well as esteemed representatives from the Japanese Embassy.

The Federated States of Micronesia Underscores Urgent Social and Development Needs at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar

November 13, 2025

At the Second World Summit for Social Development, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) called for intensified international cooperation and partnerships to address the multidimensional vulnerabilities faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Secretary of Health and Social Affairs, the Honorable. Marcus Samo, who headed the FSM delegation, delivered a compelling statement, highlighting the unique development trajectory of Micronesia and the country’s ongoing commitment to inclusive and resilient development.

FSM Health Representatives Participate in the 2nd FSM Cybersecurity Symposium in Chuuk

November 5, 2025

Weno, Chuuk — October 31, 2025 — The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Department of Health and Social Affairs (DHSA) joined national and state representatives at the 2nd FSM Cybersecurity Symposium, held from October 27–31, 2025, at the Chuuk State Government Auditorium. The event was organized by the FSM Department of Justice (DOJ) through its Division of Cybersecurity, in collaboration with NRD Cybersecurity, a Lithuania-based firm specializing in cybersecurity solutions and consulting.

The FSM Delegation joins the 76th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific (RCM76) in Nadi, Fiji

October 30, 2025

NADI, Fiji— On October 20-25, 2025, the Federated States of Micronesia participated in the 76th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee Meeting (RCM76) held in Nadi, Fiji. Bringing delegations from across the Asia and Pacific region, this year’s session focused on the ways to foster resilient, equitable, and people-centered health systems that address key issues in our region, including the impacts of climate change, the rising rates of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and digital transformation in the Western Pacific Region.

WHO Provides Leprosy Medicines and Respiratory Virus Testing Supplies to Federated States of Micronesia as Part of Ongoing Public Health Support

October 28, 2025

As part of its ongoing support to Member States, the World Health Organization (WHO) has provided the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Department of Health and Social Affairs (DHSA) with its annual supply of Multidrug Therapy (MDT) medicines for leprosy. In addition, WHO handed over GeneXpert Flu/SC2/RSV cartridges: advanced diagnostic tools that enable simultaneous testing for influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These life-saving medications will be distributed across FSM’s four states: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae, to ensure timely treatment and support for individuals affected by leprosy.

FSM 10th Women’s Conference highlights gender as national priority for FSM

October 17, 2025

Weno, Chuuk FSM — September 29 to October 3, 2025 — The Vice President of FSM, The Honorable Aren B. Palik recognized women’s resilience and essential role in shaping the nation’s progress. ‘FSM is ongoing committed to advancing gender equality,’ he stated in his keynote address. He also highlighted the need to dismantle systemic barriers, challenge social norms, and create opportunities for women and girls. The Federated States of Micronesia successfully convened its 10th National Women’s Conference from September 29 – October 3. The Conference theme is ‘Kieki,’ a Chuukese word meaning “woven mat,” symbolizing the strength, unity, and interconnected efforts of women across FSM and beyond. The Conference is held every two years and is a platform for dialogue between women, civil society organizations, and national and state governments.

FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs 2025 Retreat

January 23, 2026

The day began with a formal staff meeting at the DHSA main office. Secretary Marcus Samo opened the session by presenting a comprehensive overview of each program’s performance and activities throughout 2025. He reviewed progress against the goals outlined in the Health Strategic Development Plan, emphasizing the critical impact of the Department’s work on the health and well-being of all citizens across the nation.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST – Operations Supervisor (Yap Digital Village)

January 22, 2026

The Department of Health & Social Affairs, under the Digital FSM Project funded by the World Bank, is seeking to hire an Operations Supervisor for the Digital Village Initiative.

The Digital FSM Project aims to improve internet access and support digital government services and the digital economy in the Federated States of Micronesia. As part of this project, the Digital Village Initiative works with local communities, in partnership with the Yap Women’s Association, to build a sustainable and inclusive digital environment.

The Operations Supervisor will be responsible for overseeing daily operations of the Digital Village, ensuring smooth implementation of activities, and supporting community engagement and outreach efforts related to digital literacy and digital entrepreneurship.

2025 FSM High School Holiday Games Conclude in Pohnpei

January 7, 2026

The annual tournament brought together high school teams from across the Federated States of Micronesia, with participation from Pohnpei, Chuuk, and Kosrae States. The Games provided student-athletes with an opportunity to compete at the national level, strengthen teamwork, and promote youth development through sport. Yap State did not participate in this year’s event.