Category: News

At the invitation of His Excellency Lei Haichao, Minister of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, FSM sent a delegation to the 2024 World Health Conference on Traditional Medicine held in Beijing from December 3-4, 2024.  The Delegation members from the FSM Department of Health included Secretary Marcus Samo, Chief Pharmacist Resel Elias, Ambassador Vincent Sivas, and First Secretary Johnson Hendrick.

Secretary Samo joined other health ministers on a panel discussion on the role of traditional medicine to strengthen health system development and how it can further improve universal health coverage, particularly in middle to low-income countries.  The conference provided opportunity for the FSM delegation to further follow up on bilateral cooperation previously agreed to and to further engage in technical discussion with other partners in the region.

Traditional medicine has always been part of human existence but practiced differently from place to place. The World Health Organization (WHO) regarded traditional medicine as vital component in the delivery of health and well-being. China has been at the frontier of traditional medicine where traditional medicine and Western medicine are integrated within the health delivery system.  With technical guidance from WHO, member states are encouraged to assess their regulatory and governance structures and decide how best to address traditional medicine within their setting.  While in Beijing, the FSM delegation members held bilateral meeting, visited hospitals, health clinics, and factories where practice and production of traditional medicines are on display.

While attending the Conference on Philippine-Pacific Partnership on Sustainable Health Workforce for Health Security from November 27-29, 2024 in Makati, Philippines, Secretary Marcus Samo met his counterpart from the Republic of the Philippine Department Health, Secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, to discussed health issues of mutual concerns.  The discussion concluded in a form of signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two secretaries.  The MOU provided for the Philippines Government to field specialized visiting medical teams to the FSM in obstetrics and gynecology to provide training to medical staff and for the FSM to cover transportation and accommodation cost.  It is hope that such partnership will lead to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates. Through the MOU, FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs will identify the medical specialty and the Philippines Department of Health will source the medical team.

The MOU was initialed by Under Secretary of Health, Dr Kenneth G. Ronguillo from the Philippines Department of Health and the Mr. Robert Nakasone Jr. from the FSM Department of Justice as witnesses.

Secretary Herbosa and the Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Western Pacific Region jointly convened the conference and brought in seventeen (17) Ministers from the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and donor partners to address the pressing need of sustainable health workforce for the region.  It was ideal for the Philippines to host the event given its central location in the region, the presence of many UN agencies and partners, and its reputation in producing and exporting skilled health workforce.

The outcome statement from the meeting highlighted the commitment for joint collaboration and partnership in addressing the issues of shortage in skilled health workforce.  It was well acknowledged that without having adequate number of health workforce with the right skills, competence, attitude, and morale, the region will continue to face health security threat.

On December 9, 2024, T.H. Secretary Gardenia Aisek of the FSM Department of Education and T.H. Marcus Samo of the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs, along with T.H. Dr. Margarita Cholymay of Chuuk State Department of Education discussed the Health Promoting School (HPS) concept as a way to improve health and learning at the schools.  Promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO), the HPS concept is an opportunity for education and health to come together for the common purpose – improving health of students, families, and communities .  Prior to this meeting, Dr Cholymay, Secretary Aisek, and FSM Nutritionist Mr. Steward Molens attended a WHO regional conference on HPS where countries interested in the HPS discussed strategies and technical assistance support.

In the meeting were Mr. Scott Mori, Chief Operating Officer from the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs, Mr. Friday Shomour, Administrative Officer from the Chuuk Department of Health Services, and Quennie Amor Go, WHO School Health Coordinator.  A presentation was provided to summarizes the outcomes of the WHO workshop in Manila and the next steps. This meeting is vital since it signifies the importance of cross-cutting collaboration between government sectors to achieve Health promoting schools across all FSM.

Chuuk State, November 27, 2024 – A significant milestone for the outer islands of Chuuk State was celebrated today with the handover of 15 solar water purification systems, marking an important step towards improving access to clean water for underserved communities. The ceremony, held in Chuuk, was attended by key dignitaries, including Acting Assistant Secretary Augustine Sue, who delivered remarks on behalf of Secretary Samo; the Chief of Staff representing the Chuuk State Governor; Kevin J. Petrini, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative and Country Manager for the Pacific Office in FSM; and Dr. Dorina Fred, representing the Chuuk State Department of Health Services.

The event was a testament to the collaborative efforts between various stakeholders to address the pressing need for clean water in the region. Ms. Myjoleen Kim, speaking on behalf of the Government of Chuuk, expressed deep appreciation for the support received from donor agencies through the FSM National Government, stating that this initiative is a “game changer” for the health services and overall well-being of the people in the outer islands of Chuuk.

During his remarks, Mr. Kevin Petrini expressed gratitude for the effective collaboration with the Chuuk State Government, the Department of Health Services and Social Affairs, and public health agencies. He acknowledged that, as someone with easy access to clean water, he often took this resource for granted, underscoring the critical need for such projects in the outer islands of Chuuk.

Acting Assistant Secretary Sue highlighted the commitment of the FSM National Government to improving access to clean water, stating, “With these solar water purification systems, we are taking a significant step towards improving health outcomes for the people of the outer islands and empowering women, who often bear the responsibility of water collection and sanitation in our households.” He also extended acknowledgments to the Government of the Republic of India for its invaluable support through the UN Office for South-South Cooperation and India-UN Development Partnership Fund to the FSM Strengthening Gender Machinery Project.

The initiative represents not only a commitment to enhancing water sanitation but also an alignment with the objectives of the Gender Machinery Project, which aims to empower communities through sustainable solutions. Acting Assistant Secretary Sue affirmed, “Access to clean and safe water is fundamental to health, hygiene, and overall quality of life. This project exemplifies our dedication to fostering sustainable solutions for the well-being of our communities.”

The handover of these solar water purification systems is expected to improve the quality of life significantly for many residents in Chuuk State’s outer islands, where clean water access has been an ongoing challenge.

Yap, Federated States of Micronesia – The Yap Day Care Center celebrated its official handover on November 26, 2024, marking a significant achievement in the commitment to early childhood education and the empowerment of women in the Yap community. The event was attended by Takiko Ifamilik, Digital Gender Coordinator, who represented the FSM Department of Health on behalf of Secretary Samo and coordinated the event.

In her remarks, Ms. Ifamilik highlighted the fundamental obligation of any government to create an environment where children can learn and thrive. “The Simina-Palik Administration strives to find every opportunity to ensure this vision is realized,” she stated. She recalled President Simina’s last visit to the facility, during which the Yap Women’s Association, represented by Maria Law, requested assistance, leading to the Department of Health and Social Affairs fulfilling this request. 

The handover celebration signifies a significant milestone for the Yap Day Care Center—a place that embodies the community’s commitment to nurturing children while empowering women. “This center is not just a building; it is a symbol of hope, support, and progress in our community,” Ms. Ifamilik added. 

She reiterated the importance of ongoing collaboration: “We will be working with the Yap State Government and the Yap Women’s Association to ensure our support and assistance do not stop here. As long as there is demand and we have the means, we will deliver.” 

During the ceremony, Director Alex Gilfiley delivered welcoming remarks on behalf of the Yap State Governor, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that made the Day Care Center possible. 

Mr. Kevin J. Petrini, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative and Country Manager for the Pacific Office in FSM, joined the ceremony along with several of his staff members and representatives from the Yap State Government, including Maria Law, President of the Yap Women’s Association, and her officers.

President Maria Law expressed her gratitude for the establishment of a safe space for children. She emphasized that the center will not only ensure a secure environment for the children but also provide hope for working mothers, knowing that their children are safe.

The Yap Day Care Center represents not only an investment in the well-being of children but also a commitment to providing opportunities for women in the community. The Department of Health & Social Affairs will continue to collaborate with the Yap State Government to fulfill the needs of the Yap Women’s Association in establishing an online business to market and sell beautiful, locally made crafts aimed at achieving self-reliance. Additionally, we aim to create a counseling or crisis center for women, children, and other vulnerable groups, working together to promote gender equality and champion the principles of inclusivity, safety, and empowerment.  

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of the Republic of India for the financial support through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund-South-South Cooperation under the FSM Strengthening Gender Machinery Project. Their contributions have made the renovation of the Yap Day Care possible. We commend their commitment to fostering partnerships that promote development.

May the Yap Day Care Center serve as a beacon of hope and a model for other initiatives in our pursuit of a brighter, more equitable future.  

Enhancing Syndromic Disease & Vaccine-Preventable Disease Surveillance in FSM

From November 12-15, 2025, the Department of Health & Social Affairs (DHSA), with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), will host its 2nd Annual Disease Surveillance Training Workshop at the Pohnpei State Hospital Conference. This workshop is a collaborative effort between the Public Health Hospital Emergency Preparedness Program and the Immunization Program, aimed at enhancing syndromic surveillance and integrating vaccine-preventable disease surveillance. Additionally, it focuses on revitalizing Hospital-Based Active Surveillance and implementing strategies for the elimination of Measles and Rubella in the FSM.

The four-day training concluded on a positive note, with all states reaching a consensus on the 2025 work plan. This plan aims to ensure regular and timely reporting, including zero reports of suspected vaccine-preventable diseases (VDP). Key objectives include:

• Strengthening the integration of acute fever and rash (AFR) surveillance with existing systems like the Hospital-Based Active Surveillance (HBAS) and the Pacific Syndromic Surveillance System (PSS). This integrated approach will improve the detection and response to potential outbreaks and enhance the overall effectiveness of the surveillance efforts.
• Sustaining and improving routine immunization coverage, with an emphasis on community engagement and tracking defaulters
• Promoting public awareness and education for the Measles and Rubella Elimination campaign
• Enhancing laboratory capacity for testing and confirmations
• Establishing state and national-level Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) committees dedicated to the prompt reporting, investigation, and management of serious AEFI cases. Ensuring an adequate supply of necessary medical kits, including epinephrine, is also a priority to handle any adverse events swiftly.

In conclusion, the training emphasized the importance of collaboration, capacity building, and continuous improvement in public health practices. The commitment of all participants to achieving the outlined objectives and securing the necessary resources will be pivotal in advancing the health and well-being of the FSM population. The success of this initiative relies on the continued support of local and international partners, ensuring that the FSM remains resilient and prepared to tackle future public health challenges.