On September 26, 2024, Acting WHO Representative (WR) Dr. Josaia Tiko paid a courtesy visit to the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs. Dr. Tiko was received by Acting Secretary Moses Pretrick and his staff, where they discussed ongoing collaborations and the support efforts provided by WHO to the Department. Dr. Tiko is serving as Acting WR for FSM, Palau, and RMI until December 2024, assisting with the transition of the WHO Office in Pohnpei from a Country Liaison Officer (CLO) to a WR office. The Department welcomes Acting WR Dr. Josaia Tiko to his new post within the FSM.
On September 19, 2024, UNFPA Pacific Resident Representative and Director, supported by the UNFPA-FSM team, had a courtesy meeting with FSM DHSA Acting Secretary Hon. Moses Pretrick and key department staff. The objective of the courtesy meeting is to strengthen partnership and collaboration between UNFPA and DHSA, discuss the implementation of MCP7 implementation, and explore how UNFPA can better tailor its support to FSM DHSA.
August 13, 2024 – FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs successfully convened and facilitated the 1st FSM Pharmaceutical Unit Technical Committee meeting in Weno, Chuuk from August 6-7, 2024 with support from the World Health Organization (WHO). This important meeting brought together pharmacists/pharmacy supervisors from the four FSM state hospitals, and representatives from the FSM Customs and Tax Head Quarters Office, the DHSA Food Safety Program and the Pharmaceutical Unit to:
Discuss, formalize and elect officers for the committee which was established to assist the Pharmaceutical Unit in ensuring public’s access to good quality, safe and effective medicines;
Formulate the committee’s workplan;
Review drafted regulations and guidelines for the licensing of pharmaceutical establishments in FSM; and
Join the conversation to raise awareness on the new law on nicotine delivery systems including e-cigarettes.
The meeting was initially planned for three days, however, the committee managed to complete the scheduled activities within two days satisfying all the meeting objectives.
FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs and the Pharmaceutical Unit Technical Committee express their gratitude to the sponsor (WHO) and Chuuk State Health Services for hosting the meeting.
July 22-26, 2024, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands – A high-level delegation from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) participated in the 15th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women, the 8th Meeting of Pacific Ministers for Women, and the 2024 Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands. These three distinct meetings were condensed into one week, with discussions centered on gender issues informed by regional and international policy frameworks aimed at advancing gender equality.
The FSM delegation included high-level women lawmakers (National and State Senators) such as FSM Senator Perpetua S. Konman, Senator Merlynn Abello-Alfonso, Senator Yoslyn G. Sigrah, and Pohnpei State Senator Herolyn S. Movick. The delegation was also accompanied by technical and legal staff from the FSM Congress, FSM President’s Chief of Staff Mrs. Jane J. Chigiyal, and technical and legal staff from the executive branches of the FSM and State governments, as well as representatives from the Chuuk Women’s Council, a CSO/NGO.
Around 300 participants from across the Pacific attended the Triennial Conference, where key gender priorities in the region were discussed, including women’s health, gender-responsive climate justice, and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV). The week also provided a valuable opportunity for regional partners, government representatives, advocates, and members of civil society organizations to network and share common interests.
FSM’s interventions were delivered by various members of the delegation. The 8th Meeting of Pacific Ministers for Women provided a platform for sharing achievements and lessons among Pacific countries and territories. During the meeting, Secretary Marcus Samo emphasized, “Investing in strategic and targeted measures for women’s health is not new for FSM.” The FSM was commended for its efforts to increase access to pap smear screening through its telepathology program and cervical cancer screening and testing, both aimed at ensuring that “no woman is left behind.”
Senator Perpetua S. Konman highlighted the importance of gender equality and sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) educational programs in primary and secondary schools, including menstrual hygiene education. Senator Merlynn Abello-Alfonso addressed the impact of climate change on human health, stating, “Our women and girls in small island states suffer disproportionately from its impacts, especially those with disabilities, and those living in remote, marginalized, or hard-to-reach areas.”
Senator Yoslyn G. Sigrah spoke on the issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and its impacts on women’s lives, including limitations on their participation in economic and political platforms, education and employment opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and autonomy over their own bodies and health, including sexual health.
Pohnpei State Senator Herolyn S. Movick discussed the importance of connecting Pacific regional frameworks to national institutions and mechanisms for gender. She shared that FSM has integrated gender into its laws and policies and has established a Gender Equality Policy. Senator Movick emphasized FSM’s commitment to a whole-of-government approach to mainstreaming gender across all sectors and called for regional cooperation, particularly in technical support, to ensure sustainable implementation and monitoring of gender goals in FSM.
Chief of Staff Mrs. Jane Chigiyal, who holds a key role in gender mainstreaming, advocated for the comprehensive dissemination of gender frameworks to assist government duty bearers at the national and state levels in integrating gender into their policies and programs. Her presence at the meetings reflected FSM’s commitment to advancing gender equality for sustainable development and economic growth.
The FSM delegation also paid a courtesy visit to President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The visit strengthened bilateral relations and underscored the importance of cooperation between the two countries.
The FSM Delegation also underscored the urgency of addressing cervical cancer in the region, advocating for increased support in financing the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
While the FSM delegation’s interventions covered each main agenda point, they were encapsulated in Secretary Marcus Samo’s statement: “Advancing gender equality is not only the right thing to do. It’s good for development, and it’s good for any country’s GDP. It is everybody’s business.” Secretary Samo called for greater investment in gender equality and development.
All members of the FSM Delegation played vital roles and left with a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of gender equality and development at both international and regional levels.
August 9, 2024, Pohnpei State– FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs successfully hosted the second 17 & Under FSM Basketball and Volleyball Games, a crucial event aimed at promoting youth athletic development and a platform for promoting health, goodwill and unity.
Initially planned to take place in Yap but due to challenges with flight schedule the venue was changed to Pohnpei who hosted the previous year. The Games saw athletes from Chuuk and Pohnpei come together to compete, while Yap and Kosrae were unable to participate.
The opening ceremony was held on July 31, 2024 with 107 athletes participating in basketball and volleyball. Hosted at the Pohnpei State Gymnasium, the event saw Chuuk State field one boys’ team and one girls’ team in both basketball and volleyball, while Pohnpei entered two boys’ teams and one girls’ team. The matches were fiercely competitive, showcasing the incredible skill and unwavering determination of these young athletes.
The tournament concluded on August 8, 2024, after several thrilling matches. The results are as follows:
Boys’ Basketball Division: Pohnpei Team 1 clinched first place dethroning the previous year’s winners., followed by Chuuk in second, and Pohnpei Team 2 in third.
Girls’ Basketball Division: Chuuk girls emerged as champions, also dethroning the previous year’s winners and Pohnpei girls came in second .
Boys’ Volleyball Division: Pohnpei Team 1 took the championship, with Chuuk securing second place, and Pohnpei Team 2 finishing third.
Girls’ Volleyball Division: Chuuk girls won the title, defeating Pohnpei girl’s team.
The FSM Government extends its gratitude to all who contributed to the success of this event, from the organizers to the athletes. The games not only showcased the talents of the young participants but also reinforced the importance of fostering healthy lifestyles for the future of the FSM. Your support made this event possible, and together, we have inspired a brighter future for our young athletes. “BETTER HEALTH FOR ALL”
Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) is crucial for the success of any immunization program. Proper storage and transportation of vaccines at recommended temperatures are critical for maintaining their potency and effectiveness, ultimately ensuring protection of the health of communities.
The FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs (DoHSA) is advancing its immunization programs with the Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) Assessment Assessor Workshop at Pohnpei State Hospital. The five-day workshop, facilitated by UNICEF and national EPI program focal points, aims to strengthen vaccine management systems across the region. It gathered immunization focal points from the four FSM state public health departments, representatives from the Palau EPI unit, and EPI specialists from the World Health Organization (WHO) in the FSM.
Chief of Public Health Dr Eliaser Johnson, speaking on behalf of Director Penias of Pohnpei State Health Department, highlighted the importance of strong coordination between state and national teams in his welcoming remarks. “Together, we can make a significant impact on public health and move closer to a world where preventable diseases are a thing of the past,” Dr Johnson stressed.
In his opening remarks, Acting Secretary of FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs Mr. Moses Pretrick underscored the workshop’s importance in equipping state EPI focal points with the latest EVM tools and methodologies. “Building local capacity for effective vaccine management assessments allows FSM to continually improve practices and enhance immunization programs,” Mr Pretrick stated.
UNICEF FSM Chief of Field Office, Mr. Cromwell Bacareza also emphasized the importance of strong partnerships for a successful EVM assessment in his introductory remarks. “Partnering with national and local health authorities is key to implementing the EVM assessment and improvement plans. Ongoing monitoring will sustain these improvements and tackle new vaccine management challenges,” Mr. Bacareza stated.
The workshop marks the first step in a comprehensive EVM assessment. Over the next few weeks, trained assessors will use EVM tool version 2.1 to evaluate nine critical areas of immunization supply chain system. UNICEF will then assist in analyzing the data, compiling the report, and developing the Effective Vaccine Management Country Improvement Plan (EVM cIP).
The FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs thanks UNICEF for its ongoing support and all participants for their active engagement in the effective vaccine management assessment. This collaboration is vital for advancing immunization efforts and improving public health outcomes.
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) proudly participated in the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) held in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 27 to June 1, 2024. The Secretary of Health and Social Affairs, Mr. Marcus H. Samo, led the FSM Delegation and was staffed by Dr. Mayleen Ekiek, Communicable Diseases Program Manager; Ms. Margaret Baekalia, Acting Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Program Manager; and Mr. Ruotpong Pongliyab, Public Health and Hospital Emergency Preparedness Program Director. Together they covered the work of the various technical committees, plenary sessions, and other side-events important to FSM health development. The FSM Delegation actively engaged in high-level discussions and delivered crucial interventions on pressing global health issues, including tuberculosis (TB) and vaccination, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and strengthening emergency preparedness for disasters resulting from natural hazards. In his remarks at the plenary session, Secretary Samo shared FSM’s vision of “Better Health for All”, which reflects this year’s WHA theme of “All for Health, Health for All”. He pointed out that there are many challenges before us and that we must “triple our investment in health” if we are to realize our goals, and that even as a small island nation we continue to work towards a future where “our communities are prepared, resilient and united” and that by “working together, we weave a mat of strength that can support us through any storm.”
TB and Vaccination
In addressing the Assembly, FSM highlighted its ongoing efforts and challenges in combating tuberculosis and improving vaccination coverage. FSM stressed the importance of robust immunization programs to prevent TB and other infectious diseases, emphasizing the need for continued international support and collaboration to enhance healthcare infrastructure and access to vaccines in the Pacific region.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
FSM voiced its concerns over the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance, which poses a significant risk to public health globally and may be the cause for the next pandemic. The delegation called for urgent action to implement effective antimicrobial stewardship programs, promote research and development and enhancement of surveillance systems to monitor and control AMR. FSM also underscored the importance of raising awareness and educating communities about the responsible use of antibiotics.
Strengthening Emergency Preparedness for Disasters Resulting from Natural Hazards
Given its vulnerability to natural hazards, FSM placed a strong emphasis on strengthening emergency preparedness and response capacities. The delegation shared insights from experiences with the recent pandemic and highlighted the critical need for resilient health systems that can withstand and respond effectively to emergencies. FSM advocated for increased investment in disaster risk reduction, capacity building, and international cooperation to support small island developing states in managing health emergencies.
Commitment to Global Health
The FSM delegation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing global health priorities and contributing to the collective efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). FSM expressed gratitude to the World Health Organization (WHO) and international partners for their continued support and collaboration in addressing health challenges faced by small island nations.
Immediately following the 77th WHA, the WHO held the 155th meeting of its Executive Board, where FSM was elected to be one of four Vice Chairs, along with Maldives, Cameroon, and Switzerland under the leadership of Barbados as the Chair.
The election of FSM as a Vice-Chair is a testament to its growing influence and commitment to global health and will actively participate in guiding the WHO’s strategic decisions, ensuring that the voices and concerns of small island developing states are represented in global health discussions and will continue to work to address critical health challenges, promoting sustainable health policies, and supporting the implementation of effective health initiatives worldwide.
FSM expresses its gratitude to the WHO member states for their confidence and support. This election underscores FSM’s dedication to enhancing global health governance and its commitment to fostering international cooperation. FSM looks forward to contribute significantly to the upcoming WHO Executive Board meeting in January, where crucial decisions will be made to shape the future of global health.
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) National Government, through the Office of the President, in collaboration with the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Social Affairs, has successfully delivered essential supplies to FSM athletes participating in the 2024 Micro-Games in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
FSM Patrol Boat Bethwel Henry transported a shipment of 12,000 bottles of drinking water and 50 boxes of IV solutions to support the FSM athletes and the local hospital in Majuro. Despite a slight delay, the FSS Bethwel Henry ensured timely delivery, arriving on June 21, 2024. This ensured that all FSM athletes had sufficient drinking water to stay hydrated and perform their best throughout the competition.
The IV supplies were donated to help replenish stocks at the Republic of the Marshall Islands hospital, providing crucial support for medical needs during the games.The FSM Government extends its gratitude to all those who contributed drinking water, local foods, and other supplies to this effort. Congratulations to all the players who competed in the Micro-Games 2024, and special commendations to the medalists for their outstanding performance in representing their states at this major sporting event.
The Project for Pacific Co-learning Towards Resilient Health System was launched in 2023, to build a resilient health system in the Maternal and Child Health (MCH), that can respond to health emergencies in the Pacific region. The Project started in November 2024 and will carry out relevant activities until June 2028.
The first Joint Coordinating Committee （JCC）Meeting was held on May 15th at the conference room of Department of Health and Social Affairs (DHSA) in Pohnpei, with members from Chuuk, Yap, and Kosrae participating remotely. The main objective of the meeting was to share and agree on the work plan developed for the JICA Project based on the results of situation analysis.
Honorable Marcus Samo, Secretary of DHSA gave his opening remarks by appreciating the JCC members from all four states and JICA. He highlighted the importance of maintaining essential health services in health emergencies for the “build back better” health system.
The participants actively discussed the implementation strategies including modification of existing MCH guidelines and manuals, in-service training, use of digital technology, and networking among the Pacific countries. The challenges of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services in FSM were also shared to identify potential and feasible solutions to improve MCH delivery in the islands.
In the Closing remark, Mr. Kunihiro Yamauchi, JICA Micronesia Resident Representative thanked all JCC members for their active participation, and expressed his commitment to continue supporting FSM, through dispatch of JICA volunteers and other cooperation schemes to improve health system along with the JICA Project.
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