FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs

Last week, Ambassador Jo Cowley and Second Secretary Rachelle met with FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs Secretary, the Hon Marcus Samo, to discuss current collaborative activities and areas of mutual interest in the health & social affairs sectors.

The meeting provided a welcome opportunity to highlight Australia's bilateral and regional support, particularly on 🇦🇺 flagship regional gender program, Pacific Women Lead which is currently implementing several activities through our regional, government, & local partners at Pacific Community, UNFPA Pacific, Chuuk Women's Council.

We were also joined by the Australian funded, Family Protection Adviser Ruby Awa based at FSM DHSA, who will support FSM and Australia's commitment to ending violence against women.

On Thursday, October 26, 2023, the Department of Health & Social Affairs had the privilege of hosting a visit from accomplished young Olympic athletes who have been proudly representing our nation on the global stage. These exceptional athletes, accompanied by a other athletes around FSM, are preparing for the Pacific Games in Solomon set for November this year, where they aim to secure their spots in the upcoming Paris Olympics in 2024.
These dedicated athletes have been actively engaging with local high schools and community colleges in FSM, aiming to inspire and guide aspiring young athletes who will carry the flag of FSM on the international stage. They have been generously sharing their experiences, answering questions, and shedding light on the pathways that lead to becoming future Olympians.
The athletes' travel arrangements were facilitated through the diligent efforts of the FSM Olympic Committee, which successfully secured grants under the Olympic Movement which promote UNITY, LOVE and PEACE through Sports.
The Department of Health and Social Affairs extends its heartfelt best wishes to the two athletes as well as the entire contingent participating in the upcoming Pacific Games in 2023.
In the accompanying photo, from left to right, you can see some of the remarkable individuals who made this event possible: Jake Scaliem (FSM Olympic Committee, OSEP Educator), Scott James Fiti (Olympian Sprinter, Olympic Tokyo 2020), Secretary Marcus Samo (FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs), Jourdyn Adams (Former Female Swimmer), Tasi Limtiaco (Olympian Swimmer, Olympic Tokyo 2020), Sebastian T. Tairuwepiy (FSM Sports and Physical Wellness Coordinator), and Assistant Secretary Stuard Penias (FSM Division of Social Affairs).

Hello to you all. Kindly bring your children to the immunization vaccination to the sites in Kolonia. See the schedule below for your information. Kalahngan lap.

This week's data shows a 11.8% average positivity rate and 126 daily average cases, statewide. There were also 6 new deaths and an average of 82 hospitalizations reported. 6 patients are currently in ICU. Full dashboard: http://health.hawaii.gov/COVID19

The updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine is now available and provides the best coverage against currently circulating strains of the virus. Find vaccines near you at Vaccines.gov/search.

Follow these simple measures to protect yourself and your family from ⬇

·Apply mosquito repellent
·Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothes
·Use screens on windows and doors
·Sleep under a mosquito net
·Use household insecticide, aerosols, mosquito coils

This week's data shows a 13.1% average positivity rate and 134 daily average cases, statewide. There were also 8 new deaths reported. Hospitalization data is not available from HAH this week. Updates will resume next Wednesday, 9/20. Full dashboard: http://health.hawaii.gov/COVID19

Yap State Governor's Proclamation Observing September in Yap as Recovery Month.
An estimated 267 people in Yap are affected from the impact of mental health and substance use disorders.
Those affected can and do recover with the right kind of help, support and access to evidence-based services.
Call the Yap Behavioral Health and Wellness (BHW) Program for more information on 350-2114 and ask to speak to one of their Counsellors.

Vectors are small organisms like mosquitoes that carry diseases like and .

Here are simple measures you can take to protect yourself and your family. ⬇