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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Majuro, Marshall Islands – On Friday, January 17th, 2025 the Ministry of Health and Human Services celebrated the significant contributions from the Government of India in support of the Republic of the Marshall Islands' healthcare system. In a ceremony held at the ministry, the Government of India formally handed over three portable hemodialysis machines to enhance the RMI's capabilities in treating chronic kidney disease.

The event was attended by a number of government officials who expressed their support for this important initiative, including officials from the Ministry of Health and Human Services, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Government of the Marshall Islands. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to improving the healthcare infrastructure and the well-being of the people of the Marshall Islands.

The event also marked a milestone in the growing relationship between the two nations, with the anticipated sea ambulance from the Government of India being highlighted as an important addition to the nation's healthcare infrastructure. While still in the planning stages, the sea ambulance promises to play a critical role in improving access to medical care for remote and isolated communities across the islands.

Hon. Ota Kisino, Minister of Health and Human Services, expressed his gratitude to the Indian Government for its continued support and commitment to the health of the people of the Marshall Islands. “We are deeply grateful to the Government of India for these life-saving dialysis machines, which will have an immediate and positive impact on those suffering from kidney disease. This partnership also extends to the future arrival of the sea ambulance, which will allow us to provide urgent care more effectively across our vast ocean,” said Minister Kisino.

The ceremony also included remarks from key dignitaries, including Mr. Himanshu Sagar, Second Secretary at the Embassy of India in Tokyo, who reaffirmed India's commitment to enhancing the healthcare capabilities of the RMI. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade was also recognized for its essential role in facilitating these critical partnerships.

Special recognition was given to Mrs. Ramona Levy Strauss, Honorary Consul of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, for her tireless advocacy and efforts to strengthen the diplomatic ties between the RMI and India.

The three hemodialysis machines are a significant step toward achieving the Ministry’s goal of providing essential healthcare services at home, where patients can receive treatment surrounded by their families and loved ones. This vital support not only alleviates the travel burden for those requiring dialysis, but also helps keep patients within their communities, reducing the emotional and financial toll that comes with seeking medical care abroad. By bringing these life-saving treatments closer to home, we address one of the root causes of outmigration—access to healthcare services. Our commitment is to ensure that all Marshallese people, no matter where they live, can receive the care they need, when they need it, without having to leave their families or their home country. These machines are a key part of our broader effort to expand healthcare access, ensuring that critical treatments are available where they are needed most—right here, at home, in our islands.

The sea ambulance is set to further improve the RMI's emergency medical response capabilities. Once operational, it will be equipped to respond to urgent healthcare needs in outer islands and provide transportation for patients in critical condition, ensuring faster medical interventions.

This partnership between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Government of India marks a significant step forward in the continued strengthening of healthcare infrastructure, promoting better health outcomes, and improving the quality of life for the people of the Marshall Islands.

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GRMI LAUNCHES GAME-CHANGING KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS WORKSHOP FOR GOVERNMENT LEADERS

Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands, 30 September 2024 — The Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (GRMI) launched a transformative three-day Key Performance Indicators (KPI) Workshop, bringing together department heads and their management teams under the leadership of Chief Secretary Kino Kabua. Running from 24 - 26 September 2024. This workshop marks a crucial step in reshaping public sector performance, accountability, and impact across all ministries and agencies.

As part of the GRMI’s strategic push to achieve goals in the National Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030, the workshop was designed to empower Ministry and Agency HODs to set clear, measurable goals that will drive progress across every government sector. The session underscores the government’s commitment to raising the bar on transparency, ensuring that ministries are equipped with the tools to measure and deliver meaningful results.

Chief Secretary Kino Kabua opened the event with a powerful call to action: "This workshop is more than a training—it's about transforming the way we govern. We are giving our ministries the tools to not only set ambitious targets but to track them, measure them, and ensure they translate into tangible benefits for our people. Every action we take from today onwards must be measurable, accountable, and focused on results."

This three-day workshop is not just about developing KPIs—it's about igniting a culture shift in the way GRMI leaders approach governance. The tools, skills, and frameworks gained during this workshop will form the foundation for a government that is proactive, accountable, and laser-focused on delivering results for the Marshallese people.

"We are setting the stage for real, measurable change," Chief Secretary Kabua emphasized "“as we align our vision with action and create a roadmap to ensure our ministries are continuously performing at their best." The convening of this workshop is timely as it also aligns with Cabinet’s Agenda 2030 that calls for all government Ministries and Agencies to develop organizational KPIs from which evaluation of organizational performance can be measured.

For more information on the RMI National Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030 and Agenda 2030, please contact EPPSO or the Office of the Chief Secretary.

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The spirit of the season came alive yesterday, December 16, 2024, as the Catholic Queen of Peace School hosted a heartwarming Christmas Carol with Donations at the Leroij Kitlang Kabua Memorial Health Care Center.

The event, organized to spread love, joy, and cheer, featured students from the Queen of Peace School showcasing their talents through uplifting Christmas carols. In the true spirit of giving, generous donations were collected to support the ongoing efforts of the health care center in serving the community.
This festive gathering symbolized the shared values of compassion and togetherness, bringing light and hope to patients, staff, and families during this holiday season. The health care center and the Ministry of Health and Human Services extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Queen of Peace School for their thoughtfulness, generosity, and commitment to giving back to the community.

The Ministry especially thanks the Queen of Peace School for this meaningful gesture and visit, which brought joy, warmth, and smiles to everyone in attendance.
The event was a beautiful reminder of the importance of community, unity, and generosity during the Christmas season.
For more information, please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Koror, Palau – September 16-18, 2024
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Ministry of Health & Human Services (MoHHS) is proud to announce its active participation in the 23rd Pacific Basin Medical Association (PBMA) Conference, held in Koror, Palau, from September 16-18, 2024. This year’s conference, themed "Tides of Change, Embracing One Health in Pacific Medical Practice," brings together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and experts from across the Pacific to discuss innovative approaches to healthcare in the region.

The RMI delegation is honored to share RMI’s efforts in addressing pressing health issues such as the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), maternal and child health, and the impact of climate change on public health systems.

A highlight of the conference was the RMI delegation’s meeting with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr. Saia Piukala.
Inset: RMI Delegation takes a picture with WHO Regional Director, Dr. Saia Piukala.

The conference theme aligns with the RMI's vision for integrated healthcare solutions that consider the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. With a focus on One Health initiatives, the delegation shared the ministry’s progress in fostering cross-sector partnerships to address the complex health needs of RMI.
As the conference continues, the RMI delegation is eager to further explore collaborative opportunities with neighboring Pacific nations to enhance healthcare delivery, address emerging health threats, and advocate for the continued integration of climate-resilient health systems.

For more information on the RMI Ministry of Health & Human Services' participation in the 23rd PBMA Conference, please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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