Category: News

PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On February 18, 2026, the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs (DHSA) received a report from Pohnpei State Department of Health and Social Services confirming nine pertussis cases detected on the island of Pohnpei.

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory illness. It is highly contagious and may initially resemble a common cold; coughing can persist for weeks or even months. The whooping cough is spread easily through the air from person to person. Individuals can transmit the whooping cough from the onset of symptoms for at least two weeks after coughing begins. Young babies and individual with immunocompromise conditions are high risk for developing severe complications.

The Department is urging everyone to update their vaccinations as vaccination is the most effective way to prevent whooping cough. Vaccines are available for babies 6 weeks old and older at all state public health facilities.

Chuuk State, Jan. 26 – 28, 2026

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program successfully convened its Annual EHDI Symposium in Chuuk State from January 26–28, 2026. The three-day symposium brought together health professionals, program coordinators, administrators, and partners from the National Government and the four FSM states, united in their commitment to strengthening early hearing screening, diagnosis, and intervention services for infants and young children across the FSM.

The symposium was attended by a broad range of stakeholders, including FSM Special Education partners, hospital-based obstetrics (OB) nurses, EHDI coordinators, and maternal and child health personnel. Their participation highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between health and education sectors to ensure timely identification, referral, and early intervention services for children with hearing loss.

The main facilitators for the symposium were Dr. Clare Camacho, Speech Pathologist, and Dr. Renee L. G. Koffend, Audiologist. Both facilitators played a critical role in strengthening participant capacity by providing technical guidance and hands-on skills training on the proper utilization of hearing screening and diagnostic equipment. These practical sessions enhanced participants’ confidence and competence in conducting newborn hearing screenings and managing equipment at the facility level.

Throughout the meeting, states shared program updates, best practices, challenges, and innovative strategies to improve EHDI service delivery. Key discussions focused on newborn hearing screening coverage, follow-up and tracking systems, referral pathways, family-centered care, and improving coordination between hospitals, public health programs, and education partners. Capacity-building sessions emphasized the continuum of care from birth through early childhood.

Hosting the symposium in Chuuk State reinforced the value of state-level leadership in advancing national EHDI priorities. The symposium concluded on a high note with The Honourable Secretary Marcus Samo delivering the closing remarks. Secretary Samo highlighted the need for a continued collaboration between agencies in providing essential care to the FSM populace. In addition, there was a great sense of renewed commitment from participants to strengthen partnerships, improve data reporting and follow-up, and collectively ensure that all children in the FSM have access to timely and effective early hearing detection and intervention services that support healthy development and lifelong learning.

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.

In his address, Secretary Samo reminded staff that their daily efforts directly advance the nation’s health. While commending the dedication and resilience shown in 2025, he acknowledged there is always room for growth, expressing full confidence in the staff’s potential to reach even higher standards in 2026.

Following the Secretary’s remarks, Assistant Secretary of Health, Moses Pretrick, and Assistant Secretary of Social Affairs, Kasinda Ludwig, addressed the staff. They led a series of engaging ice-breaker activities designed to foster team unity and cross-program collaboration.

A significant component of the retreat was a dedicated workshop on preventing sexual harassment in the workplace, presented by Takiko Ifamilik, Digital Gender Coordinator. The workshop provided critical awareness and education. It sparked a robust and constructive discussion among staff and leadership, including Secretary Samo, on practical steps to draft, refine, and implement a formal departmental harassment policy. Secretary Samo endorsed the initiative, encouraging the development of a clear policy to ensure a safe and respectful work environment for all DHSA employees. In absence of a FSM National policy on sexual harassment, Secretary Samo indicated his desire to roll this idea across the entire FSM National Government, as tool to encourage respect, unity, and positive attitude at the worksite.

The formal agenda adjourned following the workshop, making way for an evening of camaraderie at the Hideaway Bar & Grill. Secretary Samo again thanked the entire staff for their unwavering commitment throughout 2025. In a reflective moment, he invited each member to describe the past year in two words. Responses included “Reflective,” “Blessed,” “Resilient,” “Perseverance,” “Preparedness,” and “Think-Outside-the-Box,” capturing the spirit of the Department’s journey.

The retreat concluded later in the evening after a shared dinner and planned group activities, leaving staff reinvigorated and aligned for the challenges and opportunities of 2026.

POHNPEI, Federated States of Micronesia — December 30, 2025 — 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.

A total of 186 students participated in the tournament, including 148 male students competing in the Boys’ Division and 38 female students competing in the Girls’ Division. The Boys’ Division featured 12 teams, while the Girls’ Division consisted of four teams.

The Girls’ Division final, contested between Calvary Christian Academy (CCA) and Pohnpei Island Central School (PICS), concluded with CCA emerging as the champions following an entertaining and competitive match. Both teams demonstrated discipline, teamwork, and determination, highlighting the continued growth of young women’s participation in school sports and ongoing efforts to strengthen development pathways for girls’ basketball across the FSM.

The Boys’ Division final between Kosrae High School and Chuuk High School concluded with Kosrae High School securing the championship after a tightly contested match that was decided by a buzzer-beater in the final seconds of play. The decisive moment generated strong reaction from spectators in the gymnasium and widespread engagement on social media, as families and supporters followed and shared the outcome across the FSM and among members of the FSM community abroad. The match reflected the high level of competition demonstrated throughout the tournament.

Final Standings — Boys’ Division

• 1st Place: Kosrae High School
• 2nd Place: Chuuk High School
• 3rd Place: Pohnpei Island Central School (Team 1)

Final Standings — Girls’ Division

• 1st Place: Calvary Christian Academy
• 2nd Place: Pohnpei Island Central School
• 3rd Place: Pohnpei Seventh-day Adventist High School

Throughout the Games, organizers emphasized fair play, sportsmanship, and safety, while schools, coaches, and officials worked collaboratively to ensure the smooth delivery of the tournament. Appreciation was extended to the FSM Basketball Federation and the Pohnpei Basketball Association for conducting training sessions for volunteers and for providing trained referees throughout the tournament. Their contributions were instrumental in ensuring that all matches were officiated professionally and that the Games were conducted at a high competitive and organizational standard.

The Department acknowledged the support of partners and sponsors whose contributions were essential to the successful implementation of the Games. Appreciation was extended to the Pohnpei State Government for allowing the hosting of the event and for providing logistical and administrative support. The FSM Olympic Committee was recognized for providing trophies, cases of drinking water, and uniforms for tournament officials.

Acknowledgement was also given to parents and schools for their continued support of student-athletes, including assistance with preparation, travel, and participation, as well as to families and friends whose encouragement contributed to the successful conduct of the Games. The College of Micronesia-FSM was also acknowledged for its support through the provision of expertise and venue for the Games. Appreciation was further extended to private businesses that supported the tournament.

In addition, recognition was extended to the Simina–Palik Administration, noting that the successful implementation of the Games aligns with the Administration’s commitment to ensuring that youth are placed at the center of national development efforts, including programs that promote health, education, discipline, and positive opportunities for young people across the Federated States of Micronesia.

The Department reaffirmed that sports provide not only an opportunity for young athletes to showcase their talents and improve their health, but also a space to demonstrate the values of unity, respect, and community. In this spirit, the 2025 FSM High School Holiday Games reflected the true meaning and spirit of KAMORALE, strengthening bonds among students, schools, and communities throughout the nation.

Yap State, November 25 – 28, 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.

Over the four -day meeting, each sate program presented comprehensive updates, highlighting achievements, ongoing challenges, and innovative approaches implemented to improve the health and wellbeing of women, children, and families throughout the FSM. These updates fostered meaningful dialogue and allowed participants to reflect on collective progress across the nation.

A key outcome of the meeting was a shared commitment to clear strategies moving forward. Participants engaged in structured planning sessions that focused on enhancing service delivery, improving data quality and reporting, promoting outreach and education, and ensuring stronger coordination among state and national partners. The meeting concluded with a renewed determination to advance MCH and Family Planning goals, with an emphasis on sustainability, quality, and equitable access to essential services.

The FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs extends its appreciation to the Government of Yap State, recognizing Yap State’s Director of Health, program representatives, key stakeholders from UNFPA, and all partners who contributed to the success of this year’s gathering. Together, we continue to move forward in strengthening the health of families across the Federated States of Micronesia.

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. 

On November 10, 2025, the FSM delegation was warmly welcomed and greeted by the leadership of the Palau Ministry of Health and Human Services during an official courtesy meeting. Following the welcome, the team was guided through a comprehensive observation of Tamanu’s implementation processes, including:

• Governance structures and leadership engagement
• System workflows and operational protocols
• Data security policies and compliance measures

The reverse site visit fostered a strengthened sense of regional collaboration, enabling both nations to exchange insights, align on future implementation strategies, and reinforce shared goals for digital health transformation in the Pacific.

“This monumental and well-coordinated engagement has provided the FSM Health ICT Team with critical operational insights and practical lessons from Palau’s mature Tamanu deployment,” said the FSM Health ICT Team Lead. “We are now better equipped to ensure a smooth, secure, and effective national rollout.”

The visit concluded with mutual commitments to ongoing technical collaboration, knowledge sharing, and joint capacity-building initiatives.

The FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs remains on track to begin phased deployment of the Tamanu system across national health facilities in early 2026.