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.