Palikir, Pohnpei — The 75th Pacific Island Health Officers Association (PIHOA) Executive Board meeting commenced this morning at the College of Micronesia-FSM Friendship Gym, bringing together healthcare leaders from across the Pacific. Governor Stevenson A. Joseph, currently off-island on official business, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Benjamin Rodriguez, who delivered warm and engaging welcome remarks on behalf of both the Governor and Acting Governor Francisco L. Ioanis, who was unable to attend due to prior commitments.
Mr. Rodriguez greeted participants with traditional salutations and lightened the mood with humorous remarks that were warmly received. In his address, he emphasized the vital role PIHOA plays in fostering collaboration and coordination among healthcare systems across its jurisdictions, which include the United States-Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI): Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) (consisting of Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap, and Kosrae), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and the Republic of Palau.
He commended PIHOA for its longstanding commitment to improving healthcare delivery, particularly in addressing disparities faced by Pacific Island jurisdictions. He highlighted the importance of sharing expertise, resources, and innovative solutions to strengthen the region’s health systems.
Dignitaries present included Vice President Aren B. Palik, FSM Secretary of Health Marcus Samo, Pohnpei Director of Health and Social Services, Stuard Penias, Her Excellency, Jennifer Johnson, US Ambassador to FSM, Chairman of PIHOA Board of Executives Gaafar Uherbelau, Republic of Palau Minister of Health.
The week-long PIHOA meeting will include discussions on regional health priorities, capacity-building initiatives, and strategies to enhance collaboration in healthcare services delivery.
The Pohnpei State Government expresses its gratitude to PIHOA and its partners for their dedication to advancing public health in the Pacific. Governor Joseph and Acting Governor Ioanis extend their best wishes for a productive and successful gathering.
For further information, please contact the Governor’s Office at 320-2235.
About PIHOA:
Founded in 1986, PIHOA is a regional association of health leaders dedicated to strengthening health systems and improving the quality of healthcare in the United States-Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI). You can visit their website for more information on their work: https://www.pihoa.org/