FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs

Category: Announcement

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Announcement – Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT 01-01-25-#1

JANUARY 6, 2025

The FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs is advising the public of ongoing influenza-like illness (ILI) in the FSM. ILI is an indicator for pertussis or whooping cough.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria.  Kosrae reported 2 cases of pertussis since on October 30, 2024.  The public is advised to remain vigilant and continue preventive measures by following the recommended actions below.

Symptoms

Pertussis symptoms can vary by age and can include:

  • Severe coughing fits followed by a whooping sound
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Vomiting after coughing
  • Exhaustion after coughing fits
  • Mild fever
  • Runny nose

Complications

Complications from pertussis can be severe, especially for infants and young children.  They may include pneumonia, seizures and in some cases, death.

Recommended Actions

  1. Stay Up-to-Date with Vaccinations:  Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent pertussis.  If you are not updated with vaccination, please visit your public health clinic as soon as possible. 
  2. Practice Good Hygiene:  Wear masks if you’re feeling sick.  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
  3. Stay Informed:  Keep informed about local health advisories and reports of respiratory illnesses in your community.
  4. Seek Medical Attention:  If you or someone you know have the symptoms of pertussis, seek medical attention promptly.
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2024 FSM Health Summit Announcement

Announcing the 2024 FSM Health Summit

Theme: Better Health for ALL

Overview
The FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs (FSMDHSA) is convening a National Health Summit from April 22-26, 2024. The Health Summit will be attended by the leaderships from the National and State Governments as well as key stakeholders. Technical and resource experts will present to the leadership recommendations as to how the FSM will achieve better health for all beyond 2033.

Date & Venue
The date of the 2024 Health Summit is April 22-26, 2024 and the venue is Palikir in Pohnpei, the capital of the FSM National Government.

Purpose
To engage the leadership and key stakeholders in discussion leading to the formulation of strategic policies and recommendations to advance the health of the nation moving forward.

Participants
The expected participants of the Summit are Chief Executives of governments (President, Governors, Speakers/President), health policy makers, leaders from partner sectors (education, agriculture, environment, resources, faith-based organizations, NGOs, academia), development partners, researchers, and observers.

Key local technical staff will be the main facilitators of the technical workshops. Technical experts from WHO, USDHHS, SPC, UN Agencies, as well as other partners will also participate in the Health Summit as resource personnel and advisors.

Format & Content
The five-days Health Summit will start out with three days of technical meetings/workshops
(April 22-26, 2024) and will be structured by the following main topics:

  1. Human Resources for Health
  2. Health Care Financing
  3. Digital Health
  4. Primary Health Care
  5. Tertiary Care Services
  6. Social and Environmental Determinants of Health
  7. Healthcare Facility Upgrades
  8. Diagnostics and Biomedical Equipment Upgrades
  9. Age, Gender, and Life-Course Appropriate Services

The first three days of the Health Summit are dedicated to technical workshops and meetings in which local and visiting experts will present the current state of the health care system to move towards having a common framework of where things should be heading in the coming years. The last two days of the Health Summit will be mainly presentations of the outcomes of the technical work groups. There will be plenary and concurrent sessions throughout the first three days of the Health Summit.

Objectives
At the end of the five-days Health Summit, participants are expected to:

  1. Understand the challenges impacting health development in the FSM;
  2. Have general understanding of the current capacity of the healthcare delivery system;
  3. Better appreciate the concept of Universal Health Coverage and its application to the FSM; and
  4. Reach a common understanding of what the next steps should be to improve the overall health services in the FSM.

Expected Outcome
At the end of the Health Summit, the Chief Executives (President, Governors, and Speakers/President) will sign a communique that will contain the recommendations from the Health Summit. These recommendations will be used for the drafting of the Framework for Health Development in the FSM that will guide decision making and policy making in the coming years.

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