On September 25, 2026 at 3:00pm, H.E. President W. Simina and the FSM leadership, Wasahi Sokehs, Pohnpei health services, members of the clergy, members of the diplomatic corp, international and regional partner organizations, community members, friends, and FSMDHSA staff gathered in Palikir to witness the handover and celebrate the opening of the new two-story building for the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs. Construction of the new building was made possible through the CARES (Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security) Act funding from the U.S. Department of Interior and our own limited resources. The building was designed and built with multiple purposes in mind- office space, medical storage and quarantine facility.
The CARES Act funding played a pivotal role during the COVID Pandemic, particularly in our nation and States’ success in preparing for and preventing the introduction of the coronavirus into FSM for nearly 3 years, while increasing the nation’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage and carefully repatriating home our citizens and residents who were stranded abroad during the pandemic period. The CARES Act funding also contributed to improvements to our healthcare infrastructures including workforce training and capacity building which will have long-lasting impacts for emergency preparedness and response, disease surveillance and health service delivery in our communities.
In his remarks, President Simina thanked the U.S Government for the funding and ARM Buildings Inc for building the facility. He concluded by reminding everyone gathered and the Department of Health and Social Affairs of its vision: “may this building always remind us of goodwill and friendship – two or more work together – greater things can happen. It’s not just for the Department of Health and Social Affairs, but for all those we serve. Your vision of ‘better health and social wellbeing for the people of this country’ should always remind you of why you need this building. Live it, work it, and deliver on that vision.”
Following handover of the key to the building from the contractor to His Excellency President Simina, First Lady Ancelly Simina lead the Rippon cutting ceremony along with FSM Supreme Court Acting Chief Justice Beauleen Carl-Worswick, Congresswoman Merlynn Abello-Alfonso, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Amy Gradin, Mrs. Makina Samo, and Secretary Rose Nakanga.