Pohnpei, November 18, 2025 – In a remarkable advancement in enhancing public health infrastructure and improving response capabilities to infectious disease outbreaks, the Japanese Embassy has formally transferred cutting-edge container laboratories to the Department of Health Services in the States of Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk. This significant handover was attended virtually by state health directors and in person by healthcare professionals from both the national and Pohnpei State Health Services, as well as esteemed representatives from the Japanese Embassy.
During the handover ceremony, His Excellency, Ambassador Nobuo Kagomiya, highlighted the profound significance of this initiative, stating, “These container laboratories represent not only a vital enhancement of our health infrastructure but also a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperative ties between Japan and the Federated States of Micronesia.” This initiative, facilitated through the Japan International Cooperation System (JICS), underscores the support extended by Japan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Moses Pretrick, Assistant Secretary and proxy for the Secretary of the national health department, conveyed heartfelt appreciation for the generous donation, noting that this collaboration was the culmination of a meticulous process aimed at aligning the facilities with molecular diagnostics standards.
On behalf of the Pohnpei State director, Mr. Semenson Ehpel, Chief of Primary Care, expressed his sincere gratitude to the Government of Japan for this significant contribution. The introduction of the laboratory is expected to alleviate the workload at the hospital laboratory and enhance the efficiency of testing and surveillance activities vital to public health.
Following the official remarks, attendees had the opportunity to tour the newly established container laboratory at the public health division. The program manager of the ELC provided detailed insights into the laboratory’s features, including climate control systems, biosafety measures, and adaptable workspaces, which collectively render these facilities suitable for a diverse array of applications, from routine disease diagnostics to monitoring infectious disease outbreaks.