July 31, 2024

KOLONIA, Pohnpei, FSM: July 31, 2024 – Governor Stevenson A. Joseph is pleased to announce that disaster relief funds have been disbursed to the Outer Island Municipal Governments. These funds, provided by the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) National Government through a Presidential Decree and facilitated by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management (DECEM), are intended to support recovery efforts in the wake of recent drought and seawater inundation. Following initial damage assessments conducted in the early months of the Joseph/Ioanis Administration, the Governor’s Office submitted a request for assistance to the President of the Federated States of Micronesia. The FSM National Government responded promptly, disbursing the necessary funds to the affected Outer Island Municipal Governments based on the damage assessments. The allocated funds have been distributed to the respective Municipal Governments to facilitate the recovery of the affected Outer Islands. Each municipal government is required to ensure that all expenditures are properly documented to demonstrate the effective use of these funds. This accountability measure is essential to ensure the aid is used efficiently and reaches those most in need. At a recent ceremony held at the Governor’s Office, representatives from the Outer Island Municipal Governments received the checks. Each check was accompanied by a letter from the Director of the Treasury and Administration, outlining the specific use and documentation requirements for the relief funds. Images of the representatives receiving the checks, copies of the checks, and the letters were shared to emphasize transparency in the disbursement process. Governor Joseph thanked the municipal representatives for their dedication and urged them to ensure that the funds are used properly for the benefit of their communities. He also extended thanks to the solidarity and swift action of our National Government, and heartfelt thanks to President Simina, Secretary Yatilman of DECEM, and the Disaster Coordinating Officer of Pohnpei State, Ainstain Joseph, for their crucial assistance and unwavering support. The Pohnpei State Government remains committed to working closely with the National Government and all relevant agencies to ensure that recovery efforts are efficient, transparent, and beneficial to all affected communities.

KOLONIA, Pohnpei, FSM: July 31, 2024 — The Governor of Pohnpei, Stevenson A. Joseph, welcomed a delegation of Japanese physicians and healthcare specialists who are in Pohnpei to train local medical staff on the use of the innovative iCTG fetal monitoring devices. These compact, wireless devices are designed to measure fetal heart rates and uterine contractions, with data accessible on tablets, smartphones, and PCs. The Acting Chief of the Public Health Division, Pertina Albert, escorted the group and facilitated their meeting with Governor Joseph. During the meeting, Mrs. Albert shared details of the ongoing project, which has been in progress for approximately two years. The initiative aims to enhance prenatal care in Pohnpei and will culminate in the donation of the iCTG devices to the local healthcare facilities. Governor Joseph expressed his gratitude to the visiting physicians and specialists for their dedication and collaboration with Pohnpei State Public Health. He highlighted the critical need for such advanced medical devices and committed the full support of his office to ensure the success of this valuable project. The iCTG fetal monitoring devices will significantly improve maternal and fetal health outcomes in Pohnpei, and Governor Joseph committed his office to assisting in every way possible to maximize the benefits of this project. The visit marks a significant milestone in strengthening the healthcare infrastructure of Pohnpei, with the advanced training and technology paving the way for improved prenatal care services.