Category: News

PALIKIR, POHNPEI — April 2026. The FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs (FSM DHSA) formally acknowledges the generous support of international and local partners mobilizing relief efforts in Chuuk State following the devastation caused by Typhoon Sinlaku. Following the issuance of a National Declaration of Emergency on April 13, 2026, the Department activated its Secretary’s Emergency Operation Center (SEOC) to coordinate the government’s response and facilitate incoming humanitarian assistance.

The Department is pleased to recognize the following organizations for their contributions and support to the Chuuk Typhoon Sinlaku relief efforts:

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• China Visiting Medical Team
• United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
• Micronesia Red Cross
• International Organization for Migration (IOM)

The Department extends its sincere appreciation to each of these partners for their swift response and continued commitment to the people of Chuuk State.

Palikir, Pohnpei – On March 30, 2025: FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs (DHSA) received a team of eight program management and technical staff from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide support in the pertussis outbreak in Pohnpei, FSM. Kosrae and Chuuk had outbreaks of same disease earlier this year to late last year.

The team provided technical assistance in reviewing vaccination coverage, protocols, logistics regarding vaccine cold storage and transportation. The team also conduced training to the staff at Pohnpei State Public Health and FSM DHSA

FSM DHSA valued the collaboration and partnership with CDC and the Immunization Program.

The meeting discussed key healthcare challenges in FSM, including disaster response, rising non-communicable and infectious diseases, workforce and specialist shortages, infrastructure needs, and maternal and child health priorities, with emphasis on collaboration and external support.

KOLONIA, POHNPEI, FSM, April 13, 2026 — National agencies, the Micronesia Red Cross Society, and state agencies are continuing to work closely with FSM Health and Social Affairs (DHSA) and Pohnpei Department of Health Services to support the rehabilitation of outer island dispensaries in Pohnpei.

The purpose of the recent coordination meeting was to ensure that all partners are aligned and working together toward a smooth and practical path forward for the rehabilitation effort. Participants discussed how to coordinate their roles and responsibilities so the work can proceed in an organized way and with the necessary collaboration between health, infrastructure, and partner agencies.

All parties expressed support for continued coordination and communication as the process moves forward. At this stage, FSM Health and Social Affairs is awaiting FSM TC&I’s review of the scope and feedback before proceeding to the next steps.

This ongoing collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving dispensary facilities and supporting health services for outer island communities.

PALIKIR, POHNPEI, FSM, April 4, 2026, The FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs (DHSA) has announced its new Sexual Harassment Policy. The policy reaffirms DHSA’s commitment to a safe, respectful, and professional workplace for employees, clients, contractors, and visitors.

The policy sets a a zero-tolerance stance on sexual harassment and establishes clear, confidential procedures for reporting, investigation, and responses. It guarantees prompt, impartial handling of reports, and robust protections against retaliation to complaints.

Secretary Marcus Samo said, ‘The well-being and dignity of our staff, clients, and partners is paramount. This policy reflects our commitment to a workplace free from sexual harassment and provides mechanisms to ensure everyone can work safely and with dignity.’

Secretary Marcus Samo said the policy reflects the department’s commitment to an inclusive and respectful workplace culture. The DHSA will deliver mandatory training for all staff and managers to ensure consistent understanding and application of the policy.

The FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs is dedicated to improving the health and social well-being of all citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia. DHSA provides comprehensive health services, develops national health and social policies, and partners with states and communities to promote health, and greater inclusion and equality.

YAP STATE, Federated States of Micronesia – On March 04, 2026, the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs (DHSA) has donated 100 Sawyer TAP water filters to the Yap State Department of Health, in a move aimed at improving access to safe drinking water for residents of Yap’s remote islands. The handover took place on March 4, 2025, between DHSA Workforce Director Eleanor Mori and Yap State Health Director Theo Thinnefel.

The water filters will be distributed primarily to outer island communities in Yap, where households and health facilities continue to face challenges in accessing reliable, clean water sources. Director Thinnifel expressed appreciation for the donation and emphasized that prioritizing remote islands is critical to strengthening public health and resilience at the community level.

Sawyer TAP water filters are designed for use in areas with compromised water quality and can be connected directly to standard faucets or taps to provide cleaner drinking water at the point of use. The donation aligns with DHSA’s ongoing efforts to support state and local health services and to address water, sanitation, and hygiene needs across the Federated States of Micronesia.

TOFOL, KOSRAE, Federated States of Micronesia— On February 19, 2026, Secretary Marcus Samo of the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs (FSM DHSA), together with department staff, met with Acting Director Tulensa Sigrah of the Kosrae Department of Health and Social Services and the Kosrae health team to strengthen coordination and collaboration in support of ongoing health services in the State.

During the meeting, both sides discussed practical ways to improve communication, information sharing, and joint efforts to better address health service delivery in Kosrae. The discussion reaffirmed the shared commitment of the National and State Governments to work closely in protecting the health and well-being of Kosrae communities.

Following the meeting, FSM DHSA turned over 200 units of the Sawyer TAP Water Filter to the Kosrae Department of Health and Social Services. A brief turnover ceremony was held, accompanied by a live demonstration on the proper assembly and use of the units to ensure effective community deployment.

The lightweight Sawyer TAP Water Filter helps ensure access to safe drinking water in urban and rural settings and during emergencies such as floods, hurricanes, fires, and earthquakes. The unit easy be attached to standard faucet or hose. Making it easier for users to simply turn on the water and filter into a clean container.

The Department expressed its appreciation to Acting Director Sigrah and the Kosrae health leadership and reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting State partners in strengthening public health readiness and safe water access for all communities.

Contact:
FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs
Address: P.O. Box PS 70, Palikir, Pohnpei, FM 96941
Tel: (691) 320 2619
Fax: (691) 320 5263
Email: health@fsmhealth.fm

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.