Pacific Island Health Officers Association

🌟 Check out our upcoming events! We have an exciting lineup, and next week, from September 16-20, we’re thrilled to host the Vital Statistics Workshop in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi.

This 5-day workshop will focus on enhancing vital statistics reporting and supporting the health and development efforts in the Pacific US Territories. Don’t miss updates and insights from this impactful event! 🗓️📊

🔗 PIHOA E-Blast - https://conta.cc/4grv2fN

PIHOA E-Blast: Calendar of Events - September 2024 Upcoming Meetings and Events September 2024 September 16 – 18, 2024 Pacific Basin Medical Association Conference - One Health Koror, Palau September 16 – 20, 2024 Vital Statistics Report Workshop For

📊 New research from the John A. Burns School of Medicine highlights the critical need to disaggregate Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) health data from broader Asian statistics. Aggregation has masked significant health disparities, leading to misinformed healthcare policies. With a focus on conditions like melanoma, this research reveals the differences in health outcomes and emphasizes the importance of accurate data for NHPI representation and healthcare equity. 🏥🌴

🔗 Read more about these important findings

Lost in data: JABSOM uncovers hidden NHPI statistics, diagnoses The John A. Burn School of Medicine (JABSOM) is shining a light on hidden health disparities and showing the world the importance of disaggregating data.

🌍 The World Health Organization Western Pacific Region Director is urging leaders to act swiftly in addressing major health threats, including climate change impacts, healthcare worker shortages, and rising rates of noncommunicable diseases. Without urgent action, the Pacific could face devastating consequences. It's time to prioritize resilient health systems and protect the future of our region. 🏥

🔗 Read more about the urgent call to action

Pacific faces health emergency, WHO Pacific director uges Forum Leaders to act now or face devastating consequences | PINA Home Breaking News Pacific faces health emergency, WHO Pacific director uges Forum Leaders to act... Photo: Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala/X Breaking NewsNews Pacific faces health emergency, WHO Pacific director uges Forum Leaders to act now or face devastating consequences By Pita Ligaiula - August 29, 202...

🚀 We’re thrilled to announce the launch of a new cohort for the Certificate in Field Epidemiology/Post Graduate Certificate in Field Epidemiology (PGCFE) at the Kosrae State Department of Health Services (FSM)! 🇫🇲

This cohort features 13 dedicated participants: 11 staff members from Kosrae DHS and 2 PPHFP fellows from Palau. They successfully completed the first module from August 27 to September 2 and plan to complete the remaining four modules by March 2025. 🎉

Join us in celebrating these passionate public health professionals as they sharpen their skills in field epidemiology to make a lasting impact on their island communities! 🌴

The Pacific Region is on the front lines of climate change, facing critical threats to public health, food security, and infrastructure. The Pan-Pacific Conference on Climate and Health concludes today in Nadi, Fiji, where leaders and experts from Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and global partners are meeting to tackle these urgent challenges head-on. 🌏

This week, meeting participants:
✅ Explored the link between climate change and health in the Pacific
✅ Mapped out existing commitments and gaps in resources
✅ Learned about climate health financing and best practices
✅ Participated in grant-writing workshops to secure essential funding

This conference marks a pivotal step in turning commitments into action for a healthier, more resilient Pacific 🌿💧

🤝🏾 Pacific-Community-SPC World Health Organization (WHO) U.S. Department of State

🚨 Deadline Approaching!

The 2024 Pacific Islands Tuberculosis Controllers Association (PITCA) Conference is calling for abstract submissions! If you're working on any aspect of TB control in the Pacific, this is your chance to showcase your work. Whether itʻs TB epidemiology, clinical, nursing and outreach, laboratory, education, and training, as well as program initiative outcomes, we want to hear from you!

🔬 Abstract Submission Deadline: Friday, August 30, 2024 (Only 10 days left!)

🔗 Complete the submission form here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WZSPPJ2

Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to the fight against TB! 🦠

Abstract Submission Form: 2024 Pacific Islands Tuberculosis Controllers Association (PITCA) Conference Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

🎉 Congratulations to the Todu Guam Foundation on becoming the newest National Health Service Corps (NHSC) site for Guam! 🇬🇺

TGF's leadership and team worked in close collaboration with Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)'s Bureau of Health Workforce, supported by PIHOA.

TGF now joins five other designated NHSC-certified sites on island:
-Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services Northern and Southern Community Health Centers
Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center
-Guam Department of Corrections
-Guam Seventh-day Adventist Clinic

💡 PIHOA also funded the University of Hawaii at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine to support TGF's efforts to enhance primary HPV screening for vulnerable and underserved women in Guam.

👏 Congratulations again and excellent work to the Todu Guam Foundation! 🎉

🔗 https://toduguam.com/health-wellness-center-nhsc/

Todu Guam Foundation Health and Wellness Center Approved Todu Guam Foundation Health and Wellness Center is proud to announce its recent approval as a National Health Service Corps site in Guam.

🌟 Registration is NOW OPEN for the 75th PIHOA Executive Board Meeting! Don't miss this opportunity to connect with health leaders from across the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands and discuss critical regional health priorities, successes, and challenges.

📅 Dates: October 14-18, 2024
📍 Location: Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

🔗 E-Blast - https://conta.cc/3MC46fH

Join us for impactful discussions and collaborations! A big Kalahngan, and thank you, to the FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs, for hosting the 75th PIHOA EBM.

PIHOA E-Blast: REGISTER NOW - 75th PIHOA Executive Board Meeting     # # # About the Pacific Islands Health Officers' Association PIHOA's mission is to improve the health and well-being of the USAPIs by providing, through consensus, a unified credible voice on health

Help strengthen local and regional health system capabilities, capacities, and community resilience in the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands! We are currently recruiting for the following positions:

-Regional Human Resources for Health Coordinator
-Field Epidemiology Training Program – Adjust Faculty
-HRH Enumeration Project Data Assistant
-Organizational Development Specialist
-Regional Communicable Disease Epidemiologist
-Regional Health Communications Specialist/Trainer
-Workforce Development Specialist
-Pacific Public Health Fellowship Program External Evaluator

🔗 PIHOA E-Blast - https://conta.cc/4cuOwgc

PIHOA E-Blast: We're Recruiting - August 2024 Current Opportunities August 2024   # # # About the Pacific Islands Health Officers' Association PIHOA's mission is to improve the health and well-being of the USAPIs by providing, through consensus, a

The RMI Ministry of Health and Human services(RMI MOHHS) released genetically modified mosquitoes on the Island of Ebeye, as part of the global fight against mosquito-borne diseases. 🌍🦟

Through the "Man Nam Ne" project, Oxitecʻs Friendly™ mosquito technology is being used to drastically reduce the Aedes aegypti mosquito population on Ebeye Island.🌴

Learn more about this groundbreaking initiative in our latest E-Blast!

🔗 E-Blast - https://conta.cc/46Rz9x8

PIHOA E-Blast: Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Released on the Island of Ebeye, Marshall Islands, in the Global Fight Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases For Immediate Release August 19, 2024 Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Released on the Island of Ebeye, Marshall Islands, in the Global Fight Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases Ebeye, Marshall Islands -

🌍 Important Update for FAS Citizens: The U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance on state tuition and Title IV eligibility for citizens of the Freely Associated States. 📚 This crucial information affects access to federal student aid for eligible students. Make sure to stay informed and share this update with those who may benefit!

In-State Tuition and Title IV Eligibility for Citizens of the Freely Associated States | Knowledge Center Posted Date April 29, 2024 Author Office of Postsecondary Education Electronic Announcement ID GENERAL-24-50 Subject In-State Tuition and Title IV Eligibility for Citizens of the Freely Associated States This Electronic Announcement describes the provisions of a new law enacted in March 2024 that pr...

🌍 A new publication from the CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report highlights American Samoaʻs fight against Dengue 🦟

📊 Recent data shows that approximately 60% of children aged 9-16 in American Samoa have been exposed to Dengue. This high seroprevalence supports the introduction of dengue vaccines as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce severe cases and hospitalizations.

Key steps include mosquito control, bite prevention, healthcare training, and enhanced lab capacity. Together, we can protect our communities!

📝 Read the CDC Report

American Samoa Department of Health

Notes from the Field: Prevalence of Previous Dengue Virus... This report describes previous dengue infections in American Samoa during 2023.

🗓️ Stay current on critical upcoming meetings, events, and training!

Later this month, our Strengthening Health Interventions in the Pacific (SHIP) Program staff and trainers will conduct Epi 826-02—Introduction to Health Information Systems training with our Kosrae cohort. 📊🏥

The SHIP program aims to enhance epidemiology and surveillance in the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands by training health agency staff at all levels to become certified Epi Technicians and developing high-priority surveillance systems and health information components for these health agencies. This initiative builds local capacity to monitor better and respond to public health challenges. 🧑‍⚕️🌍

PIHOA E-Blast - https://conta.cc/4crAjRm

PIHOA E-Blast: Calendar of Events - August 2024 Upcoming Meetings and Events August 2024 September 2 – 6, 2024 Pan-Pacific Conference on Climate and Health: From Commitments to Action Nadi, Fiji September 16 – 20, 2024 Vital Statistics Report Works

🌍 Save the Date! 🌱

Join us at the Pan-Pacific Conference on Climate and Health to explore the vital intersection of climate change and public health. 🩺🌡️

📅 Date: September 2-6, 2024
📍 Location: Tanoa International Hotel, Nadi, Fiji

Get ready for insightful discussions, expert panels, and opportunities to network with leaders and innovators dedicated to creating a healthier Pacific and planet for all. 🌊🌿

Pacific-Community-SPC, U.S. Department of State

Join us in strengthening local and regional health systems and enhancing community resilience across the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands! 🌏

We’re currently recruiting for key positions, including:
-Regional Human Resources for Health Coordinator
-Field Epidemiology Training Program - Adjunct Faculty
-HRH Enumeration Project Data Assistant
-Organizational Development Specialist
-Public Health Accreditation Coordinator
-Regional Health Communications Specialist/Trainer
-Workforce Development Specialist
-Pacific Public Health Fellowship Program External Evaluator

Be part of a mission that makes a real impact!

PIHOA E-Blast - https://conta.cc/3LMjiWY

PIHOA E-Blast: We're Recruiting - July 2024 Current Opportunities July 2024   # # # About the Pacific Islands Health Officers' Association PIHOA's mission is to improve the health and well-being of the USAPIs by providing, through consensus, a un

Registration is now Open for Guamʻs 5th Annual Behavioral Health and Addictions Virtual Conference!

🗓️ Dates:

Sept 24-25, 2024 (American Samoa & US States)
Sept 25-26, 2024 (Guam, CNMI, FSM, Palau, RMI)

🌐 Where: Online - Free & Interactive!

Don't miss this chance to connect with experts in behavioral health.

👉 Save your spot and register today: https://events.zoom.us/ev/Ajm4bLhi_x5gbS95zb_O7eg0Gqxmg5CfgGHpSi_Yx4lMrdSwqsLM~AoM3kR6NlUPGpY00dl5DiH5gk1ZNyVFWyCVSxlH02tWRqwAaeVOFB7YUYg

Hosted by the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center & Pacific Southwest ATTC.

🌟 Save the Date! 🌟

Join us for the 75th PIHOA Executive Board Meeting in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, from October 14 – 18, 2024. 📅

We look forward to gathering with health officers from across the Pacific to discuss key health initiatives and strategies.

Stay tuned for more details. See you there! 🌺

PIHOA E-Blast: SAVE THE DATE - 75th PIHOA Executive Board Meeting     74th PIHOA Executive Board Meeting Documents & Presentations   # # # About the Pacific Islands Health Officers' Association The Pacific Islands Health Officers’ Association (PIHOA) mission is to imp

Big News for Ebeye! 🌍

This week, the RMI Ministry of Health and Human services began releasing Genetically Modified Mosquitoes on Ebeye! 🦟

The Man Nam Ne Project aims to significantly reduce the population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, helping to prevent future vector-borne diseases and protect our community's health. 💪🏾

🔬 How do you feel about this innovative approach to public health? Share your thoughts below! 👇🏽

Leilani Navarro from the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services shared her appreciation for the Pacific Island Vector Management Council (PIVMC) during day one of the PVN meeting.

To address mosquito challenges in the USAPIs, the PIVMC is crucial to implementing the endorsed Regional Vector Management Strategic Plan. The plan supports individual jurisdictionsʻ efforts to address the threats of vector-borne diseases and establish a coordinated regional approach to maintain capacities between outbreaks and prevent mosquito-borne diseases.

Representatives from 15 Pacific Island Countries (PICs), regional partner institutions, and global health organizations are in Guam this week for the 2nd Annual Pacific Vector Network (PVN) Meeting!

The PVN has identified six key priorities to guide our actions and collaborations as we advance our efforts to combat vector-borne diseases across the Pacific. These priorities are essential for achieving our mission of safeguarding public health in our region 💪🏾🌍

🌟 Join us this week for the Pacific Public Health Fellowship Program Graduation Presentation by Elias David. Elias is nearing the completion of his two-year fellowship with the Kosrae State Department of Health Services in the Federated States of Micronesia 🇫🇲

Congratulations, Elias!

🗓 Date: Thursday, July 11, 2024
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM KSA Time
📍 Location: Kosrae State Hospital Conference Room
💻 Join via Zoom: Meeting ID 987 6038 8457

Don't miss this opportunity to support and learn from our emerging public health leader!

🗓️ Stay current on important upcoming meetings, events, and training!

We will host the 2nd annual Pacific Vector Network Meeting in Guam this month! This significant gathering will bring together representatives from Pacific Island Countries (PICs), regional partner institutions, and global health organizations to discuss and strategize the future of vector surveillance and control across the Pacific region.

PIHOA E-Blast - https://conta.cc/45TNzfW

PIHOA E-Blast: Calendar of Events - July 2024 Upcoming Meetings and Events July 2024 July 1 – 4, 2024 2nd Annual Tole Mour Leadership Conference Majuro, RMI July 15 – 18, 2024 2nd Annual Pacific Vector Network (PVN) Meeting Guam July 29 – August

🌟 Join us this Friday for another insightful session of our Pacific Public Health Fellowship Programs' 'Meet the Expert' series!

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this session is perfect for anyone looking to master the art of budgeting for grants!

📅 Date: Friday, June 14
🕒 Time: 9:00 AM (Guam Time)
🎯 Topic: "How to Prepare a Budget (For Grants)"
🖥️ Join us via Zoom

Remember, our 'Meet the Expert' series is open to ALL! Feel free to invite your friends, colleagues, and anyone else who might benefit from this valuable learning opportunity.

✨ Are you passionate about improving health in the Pacific Islands? PIHOA is hiring! Join us in strengthening local and regional health system capabilities, capacities, and community resilience across American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Micronesia, Guam, the Marshall Islands, and Palau 🤝🏾

PIHOA E-Blast: https://conta.cc/4bPKv6r

PIHOA E-Blast: We're Recruiting - June 2024 Current Opportunities June 2024   # # # About the Pacific Islands Health Officers' Association PIHOA's mission is to improve the health and well-being of the USAPIs by providing, through consensus, a un

✨Join us for a summer full of enriching public health events across the Pacific 🌊🩺 Whether you're a health professional, a community leader, or simply passionate about public health, there's something for everyone. Let's come together to learn, share, and make a positive impact in our communities 🤝🏾🌎

PIHOA E-Blast: https://conta.cc/3KSsGYR

Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming events, workshops, and activities!

PIHOA E-Blast: Calendar of Events - June 2024 Upcoming Meetings and Events June 2024 June 6 – 16, 2024 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPac) Honolulu, Hawaii June 9 – 13, 2024 Annual Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists

Join us tomorrow for the Pacific Public Health Fellowship Program (PPHFP) Graduate Presentations by Christina Batlok and Heniko Majang 🎓

These committed PPHFP Fellows are nearing the completion of their two-year fellowship with the RMI Ministry of Health and Human services in Ebeye, Republic of the Marshall Islands 🏝️

Congratulations, Christina and Heniko 🎉🇲🇭

📅 Date: Friday, June 7, 2024
🕒 Time: 10:00 AM (RMI time)
📍 Location: Hospital Conference Room
💻 Can’t join in person? No worries! Join us via Zoom

🌺 We are excited to invite you to the Pacific Public Health Fellowship Program (PPHFP) Graduate Presentations for our remarkable fellows: Kalana Langbata, Josilla Riklon, Fancy Bearson, Mina Torelik, Mami Jokon, and Mali Jokon.

These six dedicated fellows are nearing the completion of their two-year journey with the RMI Ministry of Health and Human services in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands. Join us in celebrating their achievements!

📅 Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2024
🕒 Time: 2:00 PM (RMI time)
📍 Location: MIR Conference Room
💻 Can’t join in person? No worries! Join us via Zoom

Congratulations Kalana, Josilla, Fancy, Mina, Mami and Mali 🇲🇭

On today's Public Health Review Morning Edition, Arthur San Augustin, ASTHO alum and former director of Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services, and Gaafar J. Uherbelau, ASTHO member and Minister of Health, Ministry of Health & Human Services - Republic of Palau, share how Pacific Island health agencies are allocating Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) dollars and Dr. Aaron Bernstein, director of CDC's National Center for Environmental Health and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, discusses a new dashboard to help prevent heat-related illness.

🎧Listen now, access resources, and subscribe to : https://discover.astho.org/4bvLmsW.

Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) Pacific Island Health Officers Association Hawaii Public Health Institute

🔔 During her recent official visit to the RMI Ministry of Health and Human services (MOHHS), Her Excellency President Hilda Heine Office of the President, Republic of the Marshall Islands honored the PIHOA Post-Graduate Certificate in Field Epidemiology (PGCFE) graduates. Among those celebrated were MOHHS graduates Alex Alex, Asdan Timothy, and Ramson Kios 🎓

These individuals are among the 22 PGCFE graduates from the Republic of the Marshall Islands over the past two years 🇲🇭

The PGCFE is part of PIHOAʻs Strengthening Health Interventions in the Pacific (SHIP) program. SHIP aims to strengthen epidemiology and surveillance capacity by focusing its training on two key areas:
1. Preparing U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPIs) health agencies’ staff at all levels to become certified Epi Technicians.
2. Developing high-priority surveillance and health information system components for health agencies.

Last week, PIHOA Secretariat Staff attended the Annual Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) Reverse Site Visit in San Diego.

‼️PHIG is a groundbreaking CDC investment to ensure health departments have the people, resources, and systems they need to promote and protect health in their communities.

Learn more about PHIG - https://bit.ly/3O0LAhQ