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.
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) National Government has taken its first major step toward hosting the FSM Games 2027, convening a three-day Working Group Meeting from April 6 to 8 in Pohnpei. The Working Group made two main decisions: (1) to hold the Games on July 12-22, 2027 and (2) to concur to a budget to ensure the success of the Games.
The meeting, led by the Department of Health and Social Affairs and the Department of Finance and Administration, brought together representatives appointed by the President and Governors from Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap, and Kosrae. All four states were represented, highlighting a coordinated national effort to move the Games forward.
This marks the first time key stakeholders have met in person to begin organizing the national multi-sport event, which has not been held since 2001. The renewed effort reflects a shared commitment to bringing the Games back as a platform for unity, youth development, and national pride.
Over the three days, discussions focused on how the Games will be organized, including governance, planning timelines, and state participation. Participants also looked at how national and state governments, along with sports stakeholders, will work together to deliver the event.
As an initial outcome, the Working Group agreed on a general outline to guide preparations. This includes setting up a clear structure for coordination, confirming state participation, identifying key milestones, and strengthening collaboration across all levels.
Participants also visited proposed venues in Pohnpei to assess early preparations for hosting the Games.
The FSM Games are expected to play an important role in promoting healthy lifestyles, strengthening community engagement, and providing opportunities for athletes across the four states, while reflecting the spirit of Kamorale, which encompasses unity, cooperation, and shared purpose among the people of the Federated States of Micronesia.
Further updates will be shared as planning continues.
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.
Representatives from FSM Health and Social Affairs, FSM TC&I, Pohnpei Department of Health Services, Pohnpei Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Micronesia Red Cross Society gather following a coordination meeting on the outer island dispensary rehabilitation effort in Pohnpei.
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.
