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MAJURO, Marshall Islands – RMI Ministry of Health and Human Services officially opened a crucial tuberculosis (TB) training on December 9, 2024, marking an important milestone in the nation’s efforts to combat this deadly disease.

 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Honorable Ota Kisino, Minister of Health and Human Services, emphasized the unique timing of the training, which is taking place during the Christmas season. "It is a unique time to host a TB training during the Christmas holiday season, but while we embrace the festive spirit, we are also committed to continuing our serious work to tackle one of the most persistent public health challenges," said Minister Kisino.

 

This training marks RMI’s second collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Centers of Excellence (COEs), following a similar regional TB training in December 2019. The first training, led by the Heartland TB Program at the Marshall Islands Resort, provided vital support to the region’s health professionals. Minister Kisino thanked the CDC and the Heartland TB Program for their ongoing partnership, which continues to strengthen the capacity of healthcare workers to detect, manage, and prevent TB.

 

RMI remains one of the US-affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI) with the highest rates of TB, and Minister Kisino underscored the importance of building the knowledge and skills needed to fight this global health threat. "This capacity-building effort is essential to ensure our healthcare workers understand the complexities of TB and the significance of their role in ending this deadly disease," she said.

 

Speaking on behalf of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Richard Brostrom commended the Republic of the Marshall Islands for its remarkable engagement in public health efforts, particularly for being the first in the Pacific region to initiate mass TB screenings. Dr. Brostrom also praised RMI's exemplary response to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the nation’s commitment to prioritizing health and safety for its citizens. "RMI’s proactive approach to both TB and COVID-19 sets a powerful example for the region and the world," he said.

 

The training's theme aligns with RMI's previous regional TB training in 2019, which focused on "Navigating Toward a TB-Free Pacific Highlands." In 2024, the Pacific Island Tuberculosis Control Association (PITCA) meeting emphasized "TB on the Move," a powerful reminder that TB continues to spread across countries and regions, but efforts to eliminate it are advancing.

 

Minister Kisino also highlighted RMI’s ongoing TB mass screening program, which has expanded across several islands. Screenings have been conducted in Ebeye (2017), Majuro (2018), Arno (2019), Jaluit (2022), and Ailinglaplap, Jabat, and Aur (2023). "We are committed to ensuring that all communities, no matter where they live, have access to TB screening and care," she stated.

 

The training, which brought together clinicians, healthcare workers, and community leaders from across the region, provided valuable tools to improve TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Minister Kisino expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration with CDC, PIHOA, and other Pacific partners in the fight against TB, emphasizing that RMI’s efforts are part of a broader regional movement toward a TB-free Pacific.

 

"Together, with your expertise and dedication, we will continue to eliminate TB from the Marshall Islands and work toward the goal of a TB-free Pacific," Minister Kisino concluded.

The RMI Ministry of Health and Human Services looks forward to a productive week of training and collaboration, aiming to build a stronger, more informed healthcare workforce to fight TB and ensure a healthier future for the people of the Marshall Islands and the Pacific region.

 

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