FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
31 March 2025
RMI CHAMPIONS REGIONAL HEALTH ADVANCEMENTS AT 76TH PIHOA EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING
Honolulu, HI – The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) played a pivotal role in advancing key regional health initiatives at the 76th Pacific Islands Health Officers Association (PIHOA) Executive Board Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. Led by the Minister of Health and Human Services, Honorable Ota Kisino, RMI actively engaged in strategic discussions that resulted in concrete actions to strengthen healthcare resilience in the Pacific. Significant outcomes included expanded collaboration with Shriners Hospital for Children Hawai’i on pediatric orthopedic services and genetics research, strengthened eye health initiatives with the Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand, and the exploration of new health workforce training programs in partnership with the Hawai’i/Pacific Basin Area Health Education Center (AHEC).
RMI also marked a milestone in public health leadership with its Strengthening Health Interventions in the Pacific (SHIP) Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) progressing to the Master’s level, reinforcing its commitment to building regional epidemiological expertise. Additionally, critical advancements were made in laboratory system strengthening, maternal and child health interventions, and workforce enumeration, further solidifying RMI’s role as a leader in Pacific health innovation.
A defining achievement of the meeting was the PIHOA board’s approval of RMI’s "Proposed Resolution on the Effects of Nuclear War on Public Health", which is set to be presented at the upcoming World Health Assembly 2025. PIHOA board members expressed their strong support for this critical initiative and affirmed their ongoing commitment to RMI’s advocacy efforts, alongside co-sponsors Samoa and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). To solidify this backing, a communique reflecting the board’s endorsement will be transmitted to the WHA, demonstrating the collective resolve of Pacific health leaders in addressing the profound public health implications of nuclear warfare.
Minister Kisino was instrumental in shaping high-level discussions on health security, policy advocacy, and the shifting dynamics of U.S. policies impacting the Pacific. The meeting also celebrated the successful campaign to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis in American Samoa and launched the PIHOA Endowment Fund, a long-term investment in sustainable health solutions for the region.
As a direct result of the meeting’s engagements, RMI has not only strengthened its position as a proactive force in Pacific health but has also taken decisive steps to ensure continued progress in key healthcare areas. Minister Kisino reaffirmed RMI’s commitment to impactful partnerships and actionable progress, stating, “This meeting was not just about dialogue—it was about achieving tangible results for the health and well-being of our people. Through strategic collaboration, we are driving lasting improvements in healthcare systems across the Pacific.”
In addition to the Board Meeting, RMI representatives visited Shriners Children’s Hospital to discuss further collaboration on pediatric services and research. The delegation also participated in a dialogue and dinner with the RMI Medical Referral Program in Honolulu, fostering strong relationships and collaborative discussions on patient referrals.
The RMI Ministry of Health and Human Services extends its deepest gratitude to PIHOA and all its partners for their unwavering commitment to advancing health outcomes in the region.
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