FSM Co-chairs WHO Forum in Auckland

On September 23, the World Health Organization (WHO) convened the 5^th Pacific NCD Forum in Auckland, New Zealand under the specific aim of fostering Political Commitment to Resilient Action in curbing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) proliferation in the Pacific.

 Co-chaired by The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Samoa, the forum was one in a series of annual events for sharing information and building leadership consensus on region-wide initiatives and targets.

This year’s forum participants reviewed progress made in certain countries on Salt Reduction Initiatives and the Package of Essential Noncommunicable disease interventions for primary health care and Tobacco Control. The forum also focused on the role of the department of health in building social and political consensus toward the adoption of national NCD targets. At the end of the Forum, participants agreed on further steps to be undertaken and the roadmap toward achieving a reduction of 25% in mortality rate by 2025 through cost effective interventions.  

The WHO forum brought in participants from all the Pacific Islands. 

The FSM was represent by the Assistant Secretary of Health and Social Affairs, Mr. Marcus Samo, and the FSM NCD Program Coordinator, Mr. Kippier Lippwe.