Chuuk State Dept of Health Training participants 
Pohnpei State Public Health Training participants 
A Health Assistant from Chuuk State Dept of Health role-playing interpersonal communication skills during an immunization session 
Trainees from Pohnpei State Public Health role-playing interpersonal communication skills during an immunization session
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.
The most recent workshop, held in Chuuk State from July 8 – 9, brought together nurses, immunization officers and health assistants for two days of hands-on and interactive training. The sessions were facilitated by Pius Attandoh, UNICEF Social Behavior Change Specialist, and focused on active listening, empathetic engagement, and respectful communication to help address vaccine hesitancy and improve caregiver trust.
Earlier this year, a similar IPC workshop was conducted in Pohnpei State for 15 health and public health workers. Both workshops were graced by the presence of the Chiefs of Public Health, Mr. Semenson Ehpel (Pohnpei State) and Dr. Dorina Fred (Chuuk State)- who emphasized the importance of strong communication in delivering quality health services and increasing vaccine uptake.
The workshops highlighted that the main goal of IPC in immunization is to ensure children receive their vaccinations on schedule by fostering respectful, trust-based relationships between frontline health workers (FLWs) and caregivers. Participants learned how to tailor their communication to caregivers’ beliefs, knowledge levels, and concerns—especially in communities where cultural, religious, or political influences may affect vaccine acceptance.
“This training gave me the confidence to talk to caregivers in a more respectful and effective way,” said one participant. “I now understand how empathy can change conversations.”
The sessions also emphasized the importance of adapting communication strategies depending on whether a caregiver is bringing a child for the first dose or for follow-up vaccinations. While vaccine hesitancy and access issues often affect the former, the quality of service and communication plays a greater role in ensuring return visits.
“I used to struggle with how to respond to vaccine-hesitant parents,” shared another attendee. “After this training, I feel prepared and ready to engage them with facts and compassion.”
Interactive role-plays, videos, and group discussions helped participants reflect on how tone, body language, and cultural sensitivity can influence caregiver decisions.
“The role-plays and videos really opened my eyes. I now realize how much my tone and body language affect communication with caregivers,” said one health worker.
“I am so excited about the new IPC techniques we learned, especially how to build trust and listen better,” added another. “I can’t wait to apply them in my outreach work.”
With strengthened IPC skills, Pohnpei and Chuuk frontline health workers are now better equipped to reduce vaccine hesitancy, improve caregiver experiences, and ensure more children complete their vaccination schedules, contributing to healthier communities across the nation. The next stop is Yap and Kosrae States.
