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.

For further information, please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands, 15 May 2024 – The RMI MOHHS successfully launched the Reproductive Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) Policy Validation Meeting yesterday. This pivotal event, aligned with the National Health Mission (NHM) and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, aims to enhance maternal and child health and improve survival rates across the nation.

The meeting brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners. These participants collaborated to validate and refine the RMNCAH policy, ensuring it addresses the unique needs and challenges of the Marshall Islands.

Secretary of Health & Human Services Francyne warmly welcomed the attendees, stating, "The significance of our work cannot be overstated; accessible reproductive health services are a fundamental right and cornerstone of societal progress, directly impacting the health and well-being of our community's mothers and children."

Dr. Titilola Duro-Aino, UNFPA Chief of Health & Technical Advisor on Sexual and Reproductive Health, emphasized the United Nations Population Fund's (UNFPA) ongoing commitment to supporting the Marshall Islands in its sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) initiatives. "UNFPA remains dedicated to advancing SRHR and RMNCAH efforts in the Marshall Islands," stated Dr. Duro-Aino. "Our collaboration with local stakeholders is vital in ensuring that every woman, child, and adolescent has access to quality health services."

Throughout the meeting, participants engaged in in-depth discussions and workshops to review and validate the RMNCAH policy framework. Key areas of focus included improving healthcare accessibility, enhancing service delivery, and integrating innovative approaches to address maternal and child health challenges.

The outcomes of this policy validation meeting will be instrumental in guiding future healthcare initiatives and ensuring that the Marshall Islands continues to progress toward its national and international health goals. The collective efforts of all participants underscore a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of mothers, children, and adolescents across the nation.

For more information, please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Majuro, MH- The Ministry is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Immunization in Practice (IIP) training by 10 dedicated Health Assistants on Friday, February 14th. This marks a significant achievement in strengthening the immunization program in the neighboring islands, and we commend the collaborative efforts of the participating islands and everyone involved in organizing the training. We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to UNICEF for their ongoing support in capacity building and other vital areas.

The completion ceremony commenced according to the arranged agenda. Acting Secretary Ms. Daisy Pedro delivered her opening remarks acknowledging the ten Health Assistants, her fellow MLT members, and everyone who attended the event. Acting Secretary Daisy went on to show her great appreciation, gratitude and honor for the decision and sacrifices the Health Assistant made from traveling from their home atolls to remaining Majuro for four weeks - all for the improvement, betterment, and accessibility of vaccines in their own home Islands.

The handover of certificates of completion took place at the Outer Islands Health Care Services (OIHCS), where the Immunization program Director, Mrs. Noatial Siofilisi expressed her heartfelt thanks to the MLT members for their presence and continued support during this pivotal event. This milestone is particularly significant as it was the first training to be organized and conducted locally, a step that enhances sustainability and the long-term effectiveness of immunization efforts.

The training spanned four weeks, consisting of one week of theoretical learning, two weeks of hands-on training, and one week dedicated to Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Review. During the review, priority areas to address low immunization coverage were identified, and data-driven strategic planning was employed to chart a course for improvement. Participants are now well-equipped with the knowledge and confidence needed to manage immunization activities across their respective islands, ensuring better access to timely vaccinations for children.

One of the key goals of the immunization program is to reach each atoll four times a year, though challenges have made this difficult. In response, we have strategically trained Health Assistants to take ownership of immunization activities on their islands, ensuring that children in remote areas will no longer need to wait for the Majuro Team to arrive during scheduled trips.

National Immunization Director Noatia has confirmed that a second round of training is in the works, with the primary goal of ensuring that no child is left behind in routine vaccinations. The Ministry is committed to providing the neighboring islands with access to immunization services comparable to those available in Majuro and Ebeye.

This achievement highlights the Ministry's unwavering dedication to improving immunization coverage and ensuring that every child, no matter where they live, has access to life-saving vaccines.

For further information, please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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MAJOL:

Press Release

Tobrak in im jemlokin kaminene eo ikijien Immunization in Practice (IIP) nan Health Assistants

Majuro, MH – Ra eo an jikin Ejmour eo ej m̗ōn̗ōn̗ō in karon̄ ikkijen tōprak in im em̗ōj an dredrel̗o̗k ikkijen juon jerbal in kamminene ikijien jerbal in Wā. Etan training in ej Immunization in Practice im kar bok jikin ippen 10 iaan Health Assistants ro jen Neiboring Island. Iien kile im kojemlok kaminene in kar bok jikin ilo raan in Bōl̗aidre, Pābodre 14 raan eo. Waween in ej kaalikar juon tōprak ilo wāwein kōkajoor l̗o̗k būrokraam̗ ak jerbal in wā ko ilo aelōn̄ ko ilikin ak Neighboring Islands ko. Kile im kautiej aolep ro rekar bok kon̗aer ilo aelōn̄ ko im aolep kajjojo ro rekar barenwot koba tok im kom̗m̗an bwe en juon ien eo epolomen. Kemij kōn̗aan barenwōt lel̗o̗k naan in kile im kautiej nan UNICEF kōn jipan̄ kein aer rejjab jeml̗o̗k nan komanmanlok Ejmour.

Ilo naan ko an acting Secretary eo Ms. Daisy Pedro, ekar kwalok an kile im kam̗m̗olol aolep health assistant ro, rijerbal ro m̗ōttan ilo MLT, ekoba aolep ro rekar kobatok ilo ien. Ekar barenwōt wōnm̗aanl̗o̗k wōt im kwal̗o̗k an kautiej, im lelok kile n̄an n̄an kajjojo Health Assistant ro kon ien ko aer im kōl̗menl̗o̗kjen̗ ko aer kōn aer kar lo aorōk eo an jerbal in im jul̗o̗k ien ko aer im jibadrōk tok Majuro im jol̗o̗k 4 wiik ko – n̄an em̗m̗an l̗o̗k eo im kapidodoik l̗o̗k an maron etal wā ko n̄an aelōn̄ jidik ko ipelaakin Majol.

Ien lelok pepa in kile im nebar ikkijen tōprak im jemlokin kaminene eo an Health Assistant rein ekar kōm̗m̗an ilo opiij eo an Outer Islands Health Care Services (OIHCS). Director eo an būrokraam̗ in Wā eo, Mrs. Noatia Siofilisi ekar kwal̗o̗k an kammolol ro iuwaan MLT kōn aer kar maron bar koba tok im boreinwot kon jipan ko rejjab jemlok nan aelok jidik ko. Tōprak in ej kakōl̗l̗ein juon jerbal eo ej kab kein kajuon an kōm̗m̗an ilo aelōn̄ kein, juon wōnm̗aanl̗o̗k eo nan jipan ikijien jerbal im kōjerbal wā ko ilo aelōn jidik ko.

Aetok in training ak kaminene eo ekar 4 wiik aetokin, juon wiik nan theoretical learning ak ekatak in komman kajitok im uaak ko ikijien Wā ko, ruo wiik ejonolok nan jerbale ekatak ko, im juon wiik ekar kōm̗m̗an n̄an Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Review ak jerbal in etale wā ko. Ekatak ko moktata kar loi ilo ien etale in ej bwe bonbon ak oran an diwojlok wā elukkuun dik. Kon menin kar kommane juon data-driven strategic planning ak juon kein jipan̄ n̄an aer maron̄ jel̗ā ia ko rej aikuj kōm̗anm̗an l̗o̗k im bōreinwot n̄an etale bonbon in wā ko rej diwojlok.

Juon iaan kōttōpar eo elap ilo būrokraam̗ eo an jikin Wā in ej n̄an kōm̗m̗an bwe jen tōpar aelōn̄ jidik ko likin emen (4) alen iloaan juon iiō, men̄e ewōr menin melijjon̄ ko kadredre. Nan komman bwe en pidodolok im mokaj lok an ro ilo aelōn̄ jidik ko maron tobar wā ko nan kojbarok, en̄iin kar kommane jerbal in kamminene im katakin Health Assistant rein ad bwe ren bōk ijoko kon̗aer im lel̗o̗k wā ilo aeōn̄ kein, n̄an loloodjake bwe aolep ajri im rutto ro jimor ilo aelōn̄ ko ren jab bar aikuj kōttar an etal kumi in wā ko jen Majuro.

Director eo an Immunization Program eo ak Jikin wā eo, Mrs. Noatia emoj an alikkar ke enaaj bar wōr juon ien kamminene einwot in eo im kōttōpar eo ej einwot in bwe en ejjelok ajri ej likjab jen an bōk wā kein. Ra eo an jikin Ejmour ej kapen an kallimur ilo an naaj jipan̄ aelōn̄ ko likin im kōm̗m̗an bwe en pidodo an armej maron̄ buk wā kein ejjelok oktak jen ro ilo Majuro im Ebeye.

Tōprak in ej kaalikkar jerbal in kūjejeto ko an Jikin Ejmour eo im wāwein an kōm̗anm̗an l̗o̗k jekjek ellel̗o̗k wā ilo an ejjel̗o̗k ajri ej likjab jene, jekdron ia eo rej jokwe ie, ak en wōr jipan̄ kein ikkijen jerbal in wā kein n̄an er.

N̄an mel̗el̗e ko jet, jouij im letok nan: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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We are thrilled to announce the unveiling of Nito’s Corner at the Majuro Hospital Pediatrics Ward—a place of love, learning, and healing for our young patients!

We extend our deepest gratitude to Nito's Butterfly Foundation for this incredible partnership. We look forward to continuing our collaborative engagements in the future.

During the handover and unveiling ceremony, Secretary Francyne Wase-Jacklick shared a heartfelt reflection, “This beautiful legacy is more than just a space—it’s a tribute to Nito’s memory and a powerful reminder of the work we must continue. Although Nito left us too soon, her spirit continues to inspire me every day to do more, to push harder, and to elevate the quality of care we provide. This corner is a promise that no child’s journey will be faced alone—that love, hope, and healing will always be within reach.”

We are truly moved by Chloe Abraham’s heartfelt words, “Thank you to the Ministry of Health and Human Services for allowing me and Team Nito to set up this corner, where children can now aid in their healing process while being admitted. The corner is filled with educational items and interactive toys that help them take their minds off their circumstances.”

Nito’s Corner is a dedicated space filled with toys and books, providing comfort and stimulation for children during their hospital stay. Play and learning are essential in helping children heal, even as they receive treatment.

A heartfelt tha

MISS PACIFIC ISLANDS AND MISS MARSHALL ISLANDS JOIN FORCES TO RAISE CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Majuro, MH – January 17, 2025 – In honor of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a live interview with Miss Pacific Islands Moemoana Schwenke and Miss Marshall Islands, Claret T. ChongGum took place at the Canvasback Wellness Center, organized by the Ministry of Health & Human Services (MoHHS) and the RMI Office of Commerce, Investment & Tourism. The interview, conducted by Secretary of Health Francyne Wase-Jacklick, aimed to leverage the powerful voices of these two youth ambassadors to raise awareness about the importance of cervical cancer prevention and the HPV vaccine.

Both ambassadors shared their commitment to promoting health education, particularly as the Marshall Islands holds the highest incidence of cervical cancer in the world. As part of their advocacy, they were given the Ministry’s Cervical Cancer Policy and Action Plan, which was launched during the Pacific Women's Triennial Conference in 2024. Both Miss Pacific Islands and Miss Marshall Islands expressed their full support for the policy and agreed to stand behind the campaign to encourage cervical cancer prevention.

The interview began with a creative twist—Secretary Wase-Jacklick reminded the audience that Miss Marshall Islands, Claret Taonang Chong Gum, is also the country’s Mental Health Ambassador and reinforced the importance of health screenings for all. She reminded both Miss Marshall Islands and Miss Pacific Islands of the health screening campaign slogan "my health, my responsibility" / "ao ejmour ao eddo." Both ambassadors fully agreed that these powerful hashtags were essential in promoting health advocacy and embraced them wholeheartedly, amplifying the call for better health practices and a unified approach to health awareness across the community.

During the conversation, several thought-provoking questions were posed to engage both the audience and the youth ambassadors in a deeper discussion about cervical cancer prevention. The ambassadors were asked, "Imagine a friend is nervous about getting vaccinated. What would you say to encourage them and calm their fears?" The youth ambassadors shared their personal approaches, emphasizing the significance of education, open communication, and the reassurance of the vaccine's safety and benefits in overcoming apprehension.

Finally, the question, "Cervical cancer is preventable, yet it claims the lives of many women in the RMI. Why do you think it’s important for young women to talk openly about cervical cancer prevention?" resonated deeply with both Miss Pacific Islands and Miss Marshall Islands. They stressed the importance of fostering open conversations and empowering young women to take control of their health by raising awareness and advocating for preventive measures.

The event concluded with a call to action for continuous advocacy, with the audience suggesting outreach efforts to schools and communities to further promote cervical cancer prevention. The Ministry and ambassadors committed to joining efforts in raising awareness, especially among the youth.

In a powerful final message, the ambassadors and Secretary Wase-Jacklick urged the community to join in spreading the message that no woman should die from a preventable disease like cervical cancer. The Ministry will continue to push forward with its Cervical Cancer Policy and Action Plan, which aims to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer through vaccination, screening, and education.

For more information on the cervical cancer prevention campaign or to schedule a screening, please contact the Ministry of Health and Human Services at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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