Our work in the Federated States of Micronesia

Our work in the Federated States of Micronesia

The WHO Representative Office in the South Pacific, located in Suva, Fiji, operates under the umbrella of the Western Pacific regional office, and our role is to act as a catalyst and advocate for action at all levels, from local to global, on health issues of public concern. We work together with a broad spectrum of partners from all sectors of society, WHO is involved in a host of closely related public health activities; including research, evaluation, awareness raising and resource mobilization.

 

 

Pacific Islands–WHO multi-country cooperation strategy 2024–2029

The Pacific Islands–WHO Multi-country Cooperation Strategy 2024–2029, or MCCS, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) through a consultative process involving 21 Pacific Island countries and areas (PICs), outlines WHO’s comprehensive and tailored medium-term support plan in the Pacific. This summary provides an overview of the MCCS, highlighting its alignment with regional and global health strategies.

Health system and health situation

Despite improvement in recent years, the Federated States of Micronesia continues to face health issues such as high rates of NCDs and communicable diseases, as well as limited health-care access. Average life expectancy is around 69 years. Major causes of death include diabetes, heart disease, cancers and chronic respiratory diseases. Health-care expenditure is approximately 12% of gross domestic product (GDP). While a national health insurance plan exists, quality and availability of care varies greatly between the main islands and lagoon or outer islands. Lack of facilities, medical equipment and skilled personnel hampers the health system. Key focus areas are public health surveillance, maternal and child health, and addressing risk factors for NCDs. Partnerships with organizations such as WHO are vital for the country to keep enhancing health-care services and infrastructure across its island states.

 

WHO multi-country strategic priorities

PRIORITY 1. Achieve universal health coverage

The MCCS emphasizes UHC as a critical regional priority, advocating for equitable access to quality health care for all Pacific islanders. The focus is on integrating and upgrading health services, conducting assessments, fostering partnerships, and advocating for supportive policies and good governance.

PRIORITY 2. Address noncommunicable diseases

Tackling the burden of NCDs is highlighted, with a focus on affordable access to medications, diagnostics and multisectoral action, as well as building a skilled health workforce. Evidencebased policies and programmes targeting risk factors are encouraged, along with comprehensive strategies for NCD prevention, treatment and control.

PRIORITY 3. Build resilience to health threats

The MCCS emphasizes the vulnerability of PICs to health threats, including climate change, emergencies and disease outbreaks. Building resilience involves conducting assessments, improving early warning systems and promoting climate-resilient health infrastructure. Collaboration and sharing of best practices are vital for building regional resilience.

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