FSMIS (December 5, 2013): A panel from the Micronesian
Regional Healthcare Committee, one of ten initiatives by the Micronesian Chief
Executives’ Summit, appeared before the Summit today. The panel reported that
they have also made appeals to the Association of Pacific Island Legislature
(APIL) to raise leadership awareness on the committee’s objectives.
The basic message prompted by the panel drew comments from
the Presidents and Governors as they realized that an outstanding Summit
resolution regarding concerted efforts for combating the spread of
non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Micronesia has remained idle for some time.
“We need to make closure to this”, remarked Governor Eloy
Inos of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marian Islands (CNMI) who is chairing
the Summit.
Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) President Manny Mori
asked the panel to provide some possible success indicators by which the Summit
can gauge actions in relation to previous health-related decisions that have
yet to be realized.
In responding to to President Mori, the panel emphasized the cross-sectoral nature of the actions
necessary to execute decisions and sought the support of the Leaders in keeping
their Governments engaged to impact NCD programs regionally.
Palau President Tommy Remengasau said the MCES needs to
transition the resolution into action.
Governor Inos mentioned that the CNMI Legislature is
currently considering amendments to the Commonwealth’s tax law to raise taxation
on certain food items easily identified as counter-productive in the fight
against NCD.
The presenters encouraged the MCES member Jurisdictions to
increase sharing of experiences and strategies that may assist in forging a
strong region-wide network in addressing NCD issues.
For further
information, email markapito@gmail.com.
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