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.
