On September 24, 2025, WHO Representative (WR) Dr. Roderico Ofrin paid a courtesy call on the Honorable Secretary Marcus Samo. The WR was accompanied by Mr. Wajid Shahid, WHO Partnerships & External Relations Support Officer. As his first official visit, Dr. Ofrin discussed ongoing collaborations and the continuing support provided by WHO to the FSM. Dr. Ofrin shared that he was very pleased with the timing of his arrival in the FSM, as it allowed him to participate in the 1st Pohnpei Health Symposium. He noted that the event gave him valuable insights into the health issues and priorities of Pohnpei State and the way forward in addressing them.
In their discussion on future collaboration in technical health matters, Secretary Samo shared with the WHO Representative the oil spill issue in Chuuk and its potential impact on health and requested WHO for technical guidance and information. In addition to his prior experience with WHO management, Dr. Ofrin is also an Emergency Room Physician and expressed his readiness to support the FSM by providing training opportunities for EMTs and other frontline health workers. Dr. Ofrin is serving as the WHO Representative for the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands based in Pohnpei, FSM.
The FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs extends a warm welcome to Dr. Roderico Ofrin in his new post and looks forward to continued collaboration with WHO in advancing the nation’s health priorities.