Infection Control and Prevention for Ebola Virus Disease held in Pohnpei

(FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs) - Teams of health care workers recently gathered in Pohnpei for a workshop on Infection Control and Prevention for Ebola Virus Disease.

The workshop was run by the World Health Organization’s Dr Angela Merinos a Public Health Clinician from WHO’s Suva Office, and Nurse Danielle Ballantyne, who had been a Head Nurse at Medicins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) Ebola treatment Centre in Liberia.

The training covered a number of topics. Ebola virus disease is a severe often fatal illness. On average, in West Africa, about half the people with this disease die. The initial symptoms can include sudden illness, intense weakness, muscle pain and a sore throat. Similar symptoms occur in a number of other diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever, shigellosis, cholera, leptospirosis and hepatitis.

Ebola is highly infectious. The virus is spread by direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of infected persons. The incubation period: the time from when a patient has been exposed to the virus until the time symptoms and disease appears ranges from 2-21 days. Patients however, only become infectious when they are sick.

The risk of Ebola reaching the FSM is very low. There are very few travellers from Ebola affected areas of West Africa to the FSM. People who have been in contact with patients with Ebola virus disease are restricted from travel until 21 days after their last contact. Any person entering the FSM must first travel through Guam or Honolulu, and may have gone through several customs and immigration screenings, where it is hoped that any potential cases may have already been picked up.

The training ended with a functional exercise.  Staff exercised accepting a patient, placing him into the isolation ward and drawing a blood specimen for Ebola Virus confirmatory testing.

The exercise highlighted the importance of following strict protocols for donning and removing the safety suits and decontaminating between each step with dilute bleach, which fortunately kills the virus. Any breach in protocol increased the risk of spread of the virus.

Teams of isolation room staff were required to design how the isolation rooms in their state hospital could be divided into green, yellow and red zones to minimize the spread of the virus. Fortunately most hospital isolation rooms could be modified without too much expense. 

The training did not focus on treatment for Ebola patients. What was stressed however was that any treatment or procedure must be carefully assessed to determine if it could be safely carried without undue risk of spread of the virus to health care workers or the community. 

Some time was devoted to the safe handling of human remains. This has been a big concern in Africa, and would probably be very upsetting for Micronesians as well. It was recommended that human remains must be removed by rapid response teams and placed in heavy duty leak-proof body bags. The outside of the bag must be decontaminated before placing inside a coffin. To prevent the spread of infection a strict rule of no handling of or washing the body must be enforced.

What about those people suspected of having Ebola but who don’t actually have it? Patients must have two separate blood specimens confirmed negative for Ebola before they can leave isolation. The infrequent and long flights to Atlanta, where the Ebola reference laboratory is located, means the patient may have to be in isolation for a week or two. FSM cannot perform this testing as the FSM laboratories do not comply with the mandated biosafety level for performing such testing.

FSM has a small stock of containment suits, a core team of trained isolation unit staff and there are isolation units in each FSM hospital.

CHUUK STATE POSTPONES ITS PLEBISCITE ON POLITICAL STATUS

PRESS RELEASE by THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

On January 27, 2015, President Mori issued an Executive Order that organized and established an FSM Task Force on National Unity whose purpose is to assist and educate Chuukese voters on the question of whether Chuuk State should or should not secede from the Federation.  The question was to be placed on the ballot during the National Election on March 3, 2015.

On February 23, 2015, Governor of the State of Chuuk, The Honorable Johnson Elimo issued an Executive Order severing the Chuuk State Political Status Plebiscite from the National Election effort scheduled to be held on March 3, citing shortcomings by the Chuuk State Election Commission on their ability to conduct the plebiscite as scheduled.

In light of the above Executive Order by the Governor of Chuuk, President Mori has temporarily suspended further efforts and activities of the FSM Task Force on National Unity as authorized by the Presidential Executive Order dated January 27, 2015.

President Mori further stated: “I will be proposing, and calling for a leadership meeting between Chuuk State Government, FSM National Government and representatives from the United States Government to address the underlying issues raised by Chuuk State during the initiated movement to secede.

In the meantime, I congratulate and applaud the Governor of Chuuk State and the entire leadership of Chuuk State Government for postponing this plebiscite.  I also wish to thank the Task Force and everyone in Chuuk and abroad, for their diligent and tireless efforts to assist in our educational campaign on National Unity.”

Japan Turns Over New Police Vehicle to the National Goverment

A turn-over ceremony was held at the President’s Conference Room on the morning of February 2, 2015. A Japanese delegation, comprised of four members, paid a courtesy call on Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) President Emanuel (Manny) Mori, to officially turn over a new law enforcement vehicle to the FSM Government.

In accepting the vehicle, President Mori expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FSM Government. Mr. Shigeru Kawano, the President of ASKA and MPI - a captive insurance company that was established in Micronesia, donated one vehicle to the National DOJ while the other two were purchased by National DOJ. At one of the Captive Insurance Seminars held in Tokyo in 2013, Mr. Kawano met Attorney General April Skilling and became aware of the need of police cars in the FSM Government. 

In the President’s remarks, he echoed his sincere appreciation as promises, “I want to promise you that we are going to use the vehicles as the government’s most valuable assets,” and further expressed, “another promise is that we are going to do our very best to serve you and also continue to improve the relationship between the captive association in Japan and also in the FSM.”

A Japanese company that specializes in manufacturing high quality law enforcement vehicles manufactured the three police cars that were donated.  In efforts of delivering brand new vehicles, Mr. Kawano was able to arrange fully scaled police cars that are installed with advanced electronic components such as sirens and searchlights. As Mr. Kawano stated, the blue colored cars signifies the vast ocean in Micronesia. 

President Mori noted the close relationship and strong alliance between Japan and FSM and hopes that they continue to strengthen the relationship between the two nations.

ASKA is an enterprise group, based on transportation such as taxis and buses. This enterprise group also specializes in handling advanced equipment for vehicles. 1900 taxis are with 4300 employees and the enterprise’s annual sale is 27 billion yen. Members comprised of Mr. Kawano’s delegation were Shigeki Sasakura, Yutaka Ezure and Ken Yoshizaki.

Present with President Mori were Department of Justice Secretary April Skilling, Chief of National Police Johnny Santos, Commander Steward Peter and staff. 

The First Official Meeting to Promote National Unity held at COM-FSM National Campus

The first official meeting to promote National Unity took place at the College of Micronesia (COM) National campus on January 28, 2015.  Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) President Emanuel (Manny) Mori met with COM staff and students to exchange views on the Chuuk State Government’s Secession Initiative.

In front of a standing audience, the President expressed profound gratitude for the students’ positive response to meet.  It reflects they care about what the future holds for them.  That was one of the reasons COM-FSM was chosen as the first ground to enlist support against secession given the number of Chuukese students there that could potentially be impacted from secession.  He indicated that some may not be aware of the full implication of the Initiative.  It is a very important issue and the people deserve ample time to understand its pros and cons.  As it turns out, the Chuuk State Government has put it on the ballot on March 3, 2015, and urges Chuukese to vote “YES” to secede.  The National Government on the other hand is promoting unity. 

It was highlighted that the Secession Initiative is a response to the Nation-wide 2023 Action Plan, which shows a $40.4 million fiscal gap to meet the $94.5 million required to sustain the annual operation of the five governments after the Year 2023.  Chuuk’s share of that budgetary shortfall is $21.7 million. Instead of galvanizing efforts to implement the 2023 Action Plan and overcome development challenges, Chuuk State Government opted for secession.  The rhetoric advanced by secessionists is Chuuk would prosper under independence, whereas remaining in the Federation would hinder socio-economic development.  However, the secessionists are not transparent on how the State Government would tackle the basic and critical factors of development, including land use and effective resource allocation, which have languished and regressed development efforts for more than 20 years. 

The Chuuk financial crisis of late 1990s to mid-2000s exposed flaws and shortcomings in public governance and had sparked national remedies for them.  The National Government bailed out the State from its financial debacle through financial reform.

The President underscored the fundamental importance for the four states and the National Government to maintain unity as a nation as enshrined in the Constitution.  As Head of State and Government, he has a solemn duty to uphold the Constitution and advance the principles of unity.

Among other nation-building initiatives, the President has organized a FSM Task Force on National Unity to educate and raise awareness among citizens about this political issue while correcting the misinformation that have been brought forth by CSPSC representatives.  While voters’ disconnect is a primary concern, it is believed that the Secession Initiative is fomented to distract efforts needed to ensure success of the Action Plan for 2023 and beyond.  

The President encourages Chuukese to make an informed decision comes March election. He referenced Palau Compact with the US Government, highlighting uncertainty of a Compact negotiation for a new independent Republic of Chuuk.  Palau’s Compact has been inactive with the US Congress for some time now and shed light on the often lengthy and difficult process of negotiating a treaty, especially under a GOP controlled Congress, who are known to be more conservative --- not as generous as the Democrats.  A U.S. representative, who was present at the meeting, confirmed misleading information in the media by pointing out that there has been no exchange between any member of the CSPSC and U.S. officials on a possible Compact negotiation for Chuuk if it were to secede from the federation.

Also present with President Mori was Assistant Attorney General, Joses Gallen, who clarified the legal process concerning this Initiative. Part of the discussion noted secession as unlawful. The legal pathway to amend the constitution was also addressed, which would require 75% of voters and 75% of state votes. No legal action can be taken as of now as it would be a violation to people’s right to freedom of expression.

President Mori strongly urges Chuukese to maintain solidarity and unity with the Federation and thwart any obstruction to nation-building and to vote “NO” on March 3rd. Though ideology division plays an important role on both ends of the argument, the President hopes to pull together by working on areas of common interest that would further nation-building throughout the states. 

The Eighth States and National Leadership Conference (SNLC) held at the College of Micronesia (COM) FSM Gym in Palikir, Pohnpei.

The Eighth SNLC officially opened on Thursday morning, January 29, 2015, at the College of Micronesia (COM) FSM Gym, Palikir, Pohnpei.  During the two-day conference, the SNLC Principals discussed critical issues for the economic and social development of the FSM including: 2023 Framework and Action Plan, investment facilitation, policy drafts on tourism development and debt management, Center for Micronesian Empowerment, and overseas development assistance through the FSM-China bilateral on trade and commerce.  

This FSM SNLC Session was attended by the following National and State Delegations comprised of the FSM President, H.E. Emanuel Mori, Govenor John Ehsa, and Lt. Governor Marcelo Peterson of the State of Pohnpei, Lt. Governor Marius Akapito of the State of Chuuk, Lt. Governor James Yangetmai of the State of Yap, Speakers Tulensa Palik of State of Kosrae, Fernando Scaliem of the State of Pohnpei, House of Representatives Floor Leader Asaichy Sana and Senate Chairman Nelson Stephen of the Chuuk State Legislature, and the Honorable Associate Justice Beauleen Carl-Worswick of the FSM Supreme Court, Chief Justices Aliksa Aliksa of Kosrae State Court,  Camillo Noket of Chuuk State Court and Benjamin Rodriguez of Pohnpei State Court.

Also present were Members of the State Legislatures, National and State Cabinet Members, members of the Diplomatic Missions and International and Regional Organizations, representatives from the private sector and supporting staff.

The 8^th FSM SNLC was chaired by Hon. Ehsa, Governor of Pohnpei State, and assisted by Hon. Akaptio, Lt. Governor of Chuuk State, as vice-chair.  The Principals of this Conference adopted two Resolutions on 2023 Action Plan and air transportation. The 8th FSM SNLC also agreed to endorse the 2014 FSM Investment Guide and the Draft National Tourism Policy and State Tourism Investment Plans and urged the FSM Department of R&D to finalize these in collaboration with State Governments.

One prevailing consensus throughout the 8th SNLC deliberations was the need for the Five Government to work together as the Nation devises the best strategy to address its challenges moving toward 2023. In this regards, President Mori urged States and National Leaders to remain committed to the legacy of the Founding Fathers of the FSM and to work collectively toward building an ever stronger and unified Nation.

The Communiqué and Resolutions were signed by the five Heads of Delegations for the 8^th FSM SNLC which concluded the Conference on January 30, 2015. 

For details, please contact the SNLC Secretariat, Department of Resources and Development, by email: fsmrd@fsmrd.fm or telephone: +691 320-2620/2646/5133.