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.
