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.
