Thursday, February 16, 2023 (Pohnpei, FSM) – Today, the Regional Health Committee (RHC) of the Micronesian Islands Forum (MIF), comprised of PIHOA members and chaired by Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Department of Health & Social Affairs (DHSA) Assistant Secretary, Moses Pretrick, did a brilliant job representing regional health issues with our Micronesian Presidents and Governors.
Topics covered included lessons learned from COVID and next steps/recommendations to continue strengthening our health systems in preparation for any future health threats; equitable healthcare access to US Veterans Affairs services for our island veterans residing in the USAPIs; addressing anti-microbial resistance (AMR) in healthcare settings; health workforce development, recruitment, and retention; and finally, modernizing and expanding health services, improving transportation infrastructure, and use of innovative technologies to reduce health disparities for hard-to-reach and other vulnerable communities.
Congratulations to FSM DHSA, under the leadership of Secretary of Health Marcus Samo, for an excellent job in hosting and chairing the RHC members at the year’s 25th MIF Summit in Pohnpei, FSM!