NADI, Fiji— On October 20-25, 2025, the Federated States of Micronesia participated in the 76th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee Meeting (RCM76) held in Nadi, Fiji. Bringing delegations from across the Asia and Pacific region, this year’s session focused on the ways to foster resilient, equitable, and people-centered health systems that address key issues in our region, including the impacts of climate change, the rising rates of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and digital transformation in the Western Pacific Region.
FSM underscored the importance of strong regional partnerships to ensure that all Pacific communities, no matter how remote or small, have access to quality and sustainable health services. The delegation highlighted key national initiatives in areas such as telepathy, clean water initiatives, and early warning detection and warning systems for disease outbreaks, reaffirming FSM’s commitment to innovation and health equity.
On the margins of RCM76, Secretary Marcus Samo, met with Fiji’s Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Dr. Ratu Lalabalau, to seek support for FSM medical graduates to undertake medical internships in Fiji. Secretary Samo reaffirmed the value of continued collaboration with Fiji’s health sector in strengthening FSM’s health workforce and the two acknowledged the longstanding relationship between our nations. Both sides agreed to work together through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure FSM medical graduates are given opportunity in Fiji’s internship program.
The FSM delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Fiji National University (FNU), meeting with Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, Dean Dr. Amelia Turagabeci, and Dr. Mai Perman, a FSM national on the faculty. Secretary Samo expressed appreciation for FNU’s continued support and reaffirmed FSM’s commitment to investing in its youth pursuing medical education in Fiji, recognizing them as the foundation of FSM’s future healthcare system and cornerstone of FSM’s national health resilience vision. Secretary Samo extended an invitation to FNU to support FSM in developing its internship program modeled after Fiji’s Internship Program.
The FSM Delegation also met with the Secretary of Health from the Philippines, Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, and the Director of Health Sector of the Asian Development Bank, Dr. Eduardo Banzon. In the meeting with Secretary Herbosa, the two Secretaries affirmed their willingness to collaborate in the area of specialized medical care and health workforce development and specialized training. In the meeting with the ADB, the two health leaders discussed and agreed to explore technical cooperation in primary health care development and training of critical health workforce, with special focus on gender related needs and issues.
Secretary Samo met with FSM medical students to discuss the challenges they face while studying abroad, emphasizing the nation’s urgent need for doctors and health professionals. Students spoke candidly about academic difficulties and, in particular, their concern over receiving formal internship and medical rotations upon returning home to FSM. This concern highlighted the need for a formal medical internship program in the FSM. The FSM delegation reaffirmed its commitment to addressing this gap to ensure FSM’s returning graduates are fully equipped to take up the posts critically needed at home.
Guided by the vision of a healthy, resilient nation where every citizen has equitable access to quality healthcare, the FSM’s participation in this year’s RCM76 acknowledges that it is through strengthened partnerships, investment in youth, and enhanced innovation in health systems that we can achieve a healthier, prosperous future for the nation.
The FSM delegation was led by T.H. Marcus Samo, Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Affairs (DHHS); joined by Dr. Joanes Sarofalpiy, Director for Non-Communicable Disease; Ms. Resel Elias, Director for National Pharmaceuticals & Medical License; Mr. Scott Mori, Chief Operating Officer; Mr. Augustus Elias, System Network Manager, Ms. Fancelyn P. Solomon, Financial Specialist, Mr. Saimone Vameau, Histopathology technician; and Ms. Chandra Legdesog, Deputy Chief of Mission of the FSM Mission in Suva, as Alternate Head of Delegation.