Category: News

Palikir, Pohnpei — Marking a significant step to ensuring a safe, respectful and professional workplace, the FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs (DHSA) convened a two-day Sexual Harassment Policy Workshop on June 22–23, 2026, at the KaMoRaLe Convention Center.

‘Understanding why this policy exists is the foundation of meaningful change. Harassment doesn’t just harm individuals, it affects our entire organization’s productivity, reputation, and the well-being of every employee,’ said Secretary Samo in his remarks to open the workshop.

The workshop detailed the Department’s “Zero Tolerance” stance, that sexual harassment, whether physical, verbal, or non-verbal, will not be excused. Central to the new policy is a structured, step-by-step reporting framework that prioritizes confidentiality and protects whistleblowers from retaliation. The workshop was facilitated by Takiko Ifamilik, Digital Gender Coordinator and Ruby Awa, Family Protection Adviser.

The workshop  increased staff awareness of the adverse impacts of sexual harassment, and discussions on reporting pathways clarified the specific roles of Sexual Harassment Contact Officers (SHCOs).

To ensure long-term impact, participants developed ‘90-Day Team Action Plans.’ These plans include concrete steps such as achieving 100% completion of mandatory training, increasing the visibility of support resources in common areas, and integrating “Respectful Workplace’ discussions into regular team agendas.

The workshop was made possible with support from the Australian Government.

For more information regarding the FSM DHSA Sexual Harassment Policy, please visit https://hsa.gov.fm or contact the Department at (691) 320-4682.

Palikir, Pohnpei — June 2026

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) participated in the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) held in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 18–23, 2026, joining health leaders from around the world to discuss global health priorities and shape international health policy.

The FSM delegation was headed by Mr. Moses E. Pretrick, Assistant Secretary for Health, and included Mr. Johnny Hadley, First Secretary for the FSM Permanent Mission in Geneva, and Mr. Stanley Mickey, Program Manager for Maternal and Child Health, and Mr. Ruotpong Pongliyab, Director for Public Health and Hospital Emergency Preparedness.

As the supreme decision-making body of the World Health Organization, the World Health Assembly provides Member States with a unique platform to influence global health policy while ensuring that the voices of countries of all sizes are heard. For Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like the Federated States of Micronesia, participation is particularly important, offering an opportunity to highlight the distinct health challenges faced by remote island nations.

In his statement on the WHA79 theme, Assistant Secretary Pretrick emphasized that “Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility means strengthening and integrating immunization, mental health, emergency preparedness and response, digital health and surveillance, and community-based health prevention, promotion and protection services into primary healthcare to tackle our every day health challenges, and as the foundation of universal health coverage.”

Throughout the WHA, the FSM delegation delivered additional interventions and participated in discussions on issues including health emergency preparedness, climate change and health, universal health coverage, primary health care, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and strengthening resilient health systems.

FSM’s statement and interventions emphasized the realities of delivering healthcare across widely dispersed islands, the increasing impacts of climate change on public health, limited health workforce capacity, and the need for sustained international partnerships to build resilient and equitable health systems.

The FSM delegation also met with representatives from the World Health Organization, development partners, the Sasakawa Foundation, and fellow Pacific Island countries to strengthen collaboration on public health priorities and explore opportunities for continued technical cooperation.

FSM remains committed to working alongside its regional and international partners to improve health outcomes and strengthen preparedness for future public health challenges.

Participation in the World Health Assembly reflects the nation’s continued commitment to ensuring that the voices of the Pacific are represented in shaping the future of global health.

Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia – June 11, 2026 — The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Program successfully concluded its Annual MCH Meeting, held from June 8–11, 2026, in Kosrae State. The four-day meeting brought together Maternal and Child Health program representatives from Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae, along with national-level staff and development partners, to review program achievements, assess data quality, and strengthen planning efforts for the upcoming fiscal year.

A major accomplishment of the meeting was the completion and review of the 2025 annual MCH Progress Reports from each FSM State. State representatives presented updates on program activities, achievements, challenges, and lessons learned in improving maternal, infant, child, and adolescent health outcomes throughout the nation. The review shed insightful information on the overall progress of the programs in their respective states.

Participants also conducted a comprehensive validation of the FSM MCH Data Matrix, ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of program data used for reporting, planning, and decision-making. The validation process further strengthened the program’s commitment to evidence-based interventions and accountability in improving health services for mothers and children across the FSM.

In preparation for the upcoming fiscal year, each state MCH program reviewed and refined its action plans, identifying strategic priorities and targeted activities to address emerging health needs and improve service delivery. The collaborative planning process allowed participants to share best practices, discuss common challenges, and develop coordinated approaches to achieving national MCH goals.

The meeting was further enriched by the participation of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) RESPACT Project, a valued partner supporting maternal and child health initiatives throughout the FSM. Through the continued technical assistance and collaboration of the JICA RESPACT Project, significant progress was made toward the development and validation of the FSM Maternal and Child Health Manual.

Meeting participants completed the final validation of the MCH Manual, marking a significant milestone in the effort to standardize maternal and child health services across the nation. The manual is now in the final stages of review and preparation for official release and implementation. Once launched, it will serve as an important resource for healthcare providers and program staff, supporting consistent, high-quality MCH services throughout the FSM.

The Annual MCH Meeting reaffirmed the FSM’s commitment to strengthening maternal and child health systems through collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and partnerships that improve health outcomes for families and communities nationwide.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA — June 12, 2026 — The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) participated in the 4th Global Health Security Conference (GHS2026) and the integrated Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework (APHSAF) Stakeholders Meeting from June 9-12, 2026 in in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The FSM was represented by Secretary Mr. Marcus Samo of the FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs, accompanied by Mr. Ruotpong Pongliyab, Director of Public Health and Hospital Emergency Preparedness.

Participation in these important forums supports the nation’s commitment to achieving “Better Health for All,” a key priority of the FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs and a cornerstone of ongoing efforts to strengthen health systems across the nation. The meetings brought together government leaders, public health experts, development partners, and international organizations to address emerging health security challenges and strengthen regional collaboration.

The conferences provided valuable opportunities for the FSM delegation to engage with global and regional partners on workforce development, emergency preparedness, health system resilience, and sustainable health security investments. Through participation in technical workshops and policy discussions, Secretary Samo and Mr. Pongliyab explored innovative approaches to strengthening the health workforce, addressing critical shortages of specialized healthcare professionals, and expanding opportunities for local training and capacity building.

A major focus of the meetings was enhancing preparedness and response capabilities for public health emergencies. By contributing to discussions on regional coordination frameworks and response mechanisms, the FSM strengthened its partnerships with neighboring countries and development partners while advancing efforts to improve the nation’s ability to mobilize resources, coordinate logistics, and respond effectively to future health threats and disasters. These efforts are particularly important for island nations that face unique geographic and logistical challenges during emergencies.

The forums also provided an important platform for the FSM delegation to advocate for universal health coverage, community-based prevention programs, and sustainable health security initiatives while exploring opportunities to strengthen surveillance systems, outbreak detection, and information sharing.

Secretary Samo further represented the FSM as a panelist during a high-level session on implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR), where the nation’s leadership role in the Pacific was highlighted as the first Pacific Island country to conduct a Joint External Evaluation (JEE) in 2018 and to designate a National IHR Authority (2025), sharing lessons learned and advice from FSM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen health security and emergency preparedness.

BEIJING, China – June 3, 2026 – The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), through the Department of Health and Social Affairs (DHSA), participated in the 21st Asia/Oceania Region Intergovernmental Ministerial Meeting on Anti-Doping in Sport (AORIM) and Regional Symposium held in Beijing, China from June 1–3, 2026.

The FSM delegation was led by the Honorable Marcus H. Samo, Secretary of Health and Social Affairs, accompanied by Mr. Sebastian T. Tairuwepiy, FSM Human Rights Coordinator. The meeting brought together Ministers, senior government officials, anti-doping organizations, sports leaders, and international partners from across Asia and Oceania to strengthen cooperation and advance the global clean sport movement.

During the meeting, Secretary Samo reaffirmed FSM’s commitment to protecting the integrity of sport and ensuring that athletes compete on a level playing field. He emphasized that clean sport is not only a matter of compliance, but a commitment to safeguarding athletes and promoting the values of honesty, respect, dedication, and fair play. The FSM delegation joined regional partners in supporting stronger anti-doping education, prevention, compliance, and athlete welfare initiatives throughout the region.

On the margins of the Ministerial Meeting, the FSM delegation, accompanied by His Excellency Vincent Sivas and officials from the FSM Embassy in Beijing, held a bilateral meeting with the Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Beijing Municipal Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Discussions focused on healthcare cooperation, professional exchanges, medical training, and capacity building. Both sides agreed to pursue a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize future collaboration.

As an immediate outcome of the discussions, a medical team from China is expected to visit the Federated States of Micronesia beginning July 19, 2026, to provide medical services, professional exchanges, and explore additional opportunities for cooperation.

The delegation further toured the Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, observing healthcare services and exchanging knowledge on practices that may support healthcare development in FSM.

The delegation also had a brief meeting with His Excellency Gao Zhidan, Minister of the General Administration of Sport of China, where both sides exchanged views on strengthening sports cooperation and promoting opportunities for athlete development and sports advancement between FSM and China.

FSM’s participation in both the Anti-Doping Ministerial Meeting and the health cooperation engagements reflects the Nation’s continued commitment to strengthening international partnerships, supporting athlete development, improving public health, and creating opportunities that contribute to the wellbeing of the people of the Federated States of Micronesia.

May 19, 2026

The Department proudly welcomed 49 students participating in the FSM Close Up Program during their educational visit to the Capitol this week.

The visit provided students with an opportunity to learn more about the Department’s role in protecting and improving the health and well-being of the people of the Federated States of Micronesia. The students engaged with the Workforce Development Director and Evaluator through discussions focused on programs and scholarships, mental and physical wellness, promotion of local food into school programs, access to safe water and clean public facilities, caring for the elderly and people living with disabilities, bullying and suicide, respect for one another, all in all a healthy society. In return the students were encouraged to seek out scholarship opportunities within their interests, reach out to the leadership and voice their concerns, consider careers in healthcare and public service, especially as the Nation continues to strengthen its health systems and address workforce challenges. The Department emphasized the value of leadership, dedication, and giving back to one’s community, and wished them the best of luck.

The FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs, through its Family Health Services Unit, successfully conducted a Validation Workshop for the National Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Guideline in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency Project for Pacific Co-learning Towards Resilient Health System (ResPACT). The workshop was held at the Island Palms Conference Room on May 13, 2026.

Participants included Chief of Public Health, and other representatives from the Pohnpei State MCH Program and Family Planning Program, JICA Micronesia Office, and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Representatives from the states of Yap, Chuuk, and Kosrae also participated virtually through Zoom, ensuring nationwide collaboration and input during the validation process.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by Mr. Rothgery Lopez, Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Coordinator for the Family Health Services Unit under the FSM DHSA. In his remarks, Mr. Lopez acknowledged the collaborative efforts of national and state health programs, development partners, and healthcare workers in strengthening maternal and child health services throughout the country.

The guideline aims to strengthen and standardize MCH services across different levels of the healthcare system throughout the FSM, ensuring safe pregnancy and childbirth for all women and children residing in every part of the country. The workshop brought together key health professionals, including obstetricians, pediatricians, midwives, and nurses, as well as other stakeholders, to review and validate the newly developed FSM National MCH Guideline.

The validation workshop served as an important platform for stakeholders to provide feedback, share experiences, and ensure that the guideline is culturally appropriate, practical, and aligned with the healthcare needs of communities across the FSM.

The initiative reflects the continued commitment of the FSM National Government and its development partners toward building a resilient health system and improving maternal, newborn, child, and family health outcomes through respectful, women-centered care across the nation.

In his closing remark, Mr. Stanley Mickey, MCH Program Manager, DHSA expressed appreciation to all participants and partners for their active involvement and continued support in advancing quality healthcare services for mothers, children, and families across the nation.

The guideline will be finalized and submitted for endorsement by Secretary of Health, during the National Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Meeting in Kosrae in June 2026.