Press Release
Republic of the Marshall Islands
December 9-13, 2024

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.

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 - Professionals from across the Republic of the Marshall Islands and neighboring Pacific regions gathered for a groundbreaking Youth-Friendly Health Services (YFHS) Training, aimed at improving access to health services for the region’s youth.

The training, facilitated by Ms. Hiromi Takahashi of Family Planning Australia and supported by the UNFPA Pacific, is part of a regional initiative to enhance the delivery of youth-centered sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Participants included school nurses, counselors, curriculum specialists, youth services managers, parent educators, and other key stakeholders from organizations such as the College of Micronesia - FSM, College of the Marshall Islands, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Public School System, RMI Ministry of Culture & Internal Affairs, WUTMI RMI, and Marshall Islands Disabled Persons Organisation (MIDPO).

The training addressed a wide range of essential topics, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge to provide inclusive, rights-based, and trauma-informed care to young people aged 18-35. Key areas of focus included:

• Understanding youth culture and addressing SRH challenges in the Pacific, including the Marshall Islands.
• Implementing privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent practices.
• Adopting trauma-informed care and disability-inclusive approaches.
• Strengthening communication and youth engagement in health programs.

“This training is about building capacity to ensure that young people receive the care and respect they deserve,” said Ms. Hiromi Takahashi. “By creating safe, accessible, and youth-centered services, we are investing in the health and future of the next generation.”

Participants engaged in practical sessions and discussions to explore how to break down barriers young people face in accessing care, implement systems to enhance inclusivity, and strengthen data collection to monitor and improve services. The training also emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors to create a unified approach to youth health.

“This program is a game-changer,” said a participant. “We are leaving with tools and strategies to transform our communities and ensure that every young person feels supported and valued when seeking care.”

The YFHS Training is part of a larger initiative funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through UNFPA’s Transformative Agenda for Women, Adolescents, and Youth in the Pacific. This regional program spans eight Pacific Island countries, providing standardized training and resources to support the health and well-being of youth.

In her closing remarks, Secretary of Health Francyne Wase-Jacklick emphasized the shared responsibility to act on the training’s outcomes: “This training is a turning point for our health services. With the majority of our population being youth, it is not just our duty but our privilege to provide them with the care, respect, and support they need. I urge every participant to take what you have learned here and become advocates and leaders for youth health in your communities. Together, we can create a future where every young person feels empowered to thrive.”

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

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The ministry proudly announces its virtual participation in the UNFPA Transformative Agenda for Women, Adolescents, and Youth Phase II (2023–2027) Regional Planning Meeting. The meeting took place earlier this month, providing a significant platform for sharing insights and progress in the ongoing commitment to improve health outcomes for women and young people across the region.

Representing the Ministry, Dr. Ivy Lapidez, our esteemed Obstetrician-Gynecologist, alongside Dr. Frank Underwood, Public Health Medical Director, delivered comprehensive updates on the clinical and programmatic advancements achieved during the first year of Phase II of the Transformative Agenda. Their presentations highlighted key achievements, ongoing challenges, and emerging opportunities, as well as good practices and valuable lessons learned.

Dr. Lapidez emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and innovation in maternal and reproductive health services, underscoring the need for adaptive strategies to address challenges faced during the implementation of health programs. Dr. Underwood shared insights into the progress made in enhancing health service delivery, particularly focusing on the needs of adolescents and youth, and the crucial role of community engagement in achieving health goals.

"The Transformative Agenda represents our collective commitment to empowering women, adolescents, and youth, and we are dedicated to overcoming the challenges that stand in the way of achieving our goals," said Dr. Lapidez. "The insights gained from this meeting will inform our future initiatives and strengthen our partnerships."

The meeting served as a platform for countries to engage in meaningful dialogue, share experiences, and strategize on enhancing the health and well-being of women and youth in the region. The Ministry of Health remains steadfast in its commitment to the goals outlined in the Transformative Agenda, working towards a healthier future for all.

For more information about the Ministry's initiatives and updates, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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7TH November 2024, Ebeye, MH — In a monumental step toward improving public health, the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MoHHS) proudly launched the "Man Nam Ne Project" Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) initiative and officially opened a cutting-edge SIT Lab in Ebeye. This innovative project marks a turning point in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, bringing tangible solutions to protect the lives of the Marshallese people and future generations.

Hon. Joe Bejang, Acting Minister of Health and Minister of Education, spearheaded the event alongside key dignitaries including President Hilda Heine, traditional leaders, representatives from the Kwajalein Atoll Local Government, landowners, the Ebeye Leadership Team, and partners from the Pacific Island Health Officers Association (PIHOA) and OXITEC.

While Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua could not attend, he sent one of his trusted representatives, Hon. Morrison Jr. Kabua James, Mayor of Ujae, to deliver his heartfelt message of support for the project. Minister Bejang emphasized the significance of this initiative, stressing how health and education go hand in hand to create a brighter, healthier future. “This project is not just a milestone for the MoHHS, but for our entire nation. Together, we are creating lasting change. We are standing up for the health of our people, and the results of today’s work will ripple through generations,” said Minister Bejang.
The event featured a moving program that brought the community together in solidarity. The Kwajalein Atoll United Church of Christ began the ceremony with the national anthem, followed by an opening prayer led by Reverend Kiomo Lalimo. In his welcoming remarks, Hon. Morrison Jr. Kabua James, representing Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua, expressed his commitment to supporting projects that protect the future of the Marshall Islands. Ms. Emi Chutaro, Executive Director of PIHOA, also spoke about the importance of this collaboration in advancing public health across the Pacific.

A highlight of the ceremony was the ribbon-cutting for the new SIT Lab, a state-of-the-art facility that will house the technology central to the "Man Nam Ne Project." Leroij Anta Kabua John led the ribbon-cutting, symbolizing the start of a new chapter in mosquito control. To mark the project’s official launch, Mayor Kabua released the first batch of sterile male mosquitoes, a crucial step in reducing mosquito populations in the region and ensuring the health and safety of the community.

The MoHHS acknowledges and thanks the dedicated Project Planning Team at the Ministry, the Ebeye Team, the Kwajalein Atoll Local Government, traditional leaders, PIHOA, and OXITEC for their tireless efforts in making today’s achievement possible. This collaboration is a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when we work together for the well-being of our people.
The new SIT Lab will serve as a hub for advanced, environmentally friendly mosquito control, using sterile insect technology to target and reduce mosquito populations safely. This is just the beginning — the "Man Nam Ne Project" represents a forward-thinking, sustainable solution to vector-borne diseases that will ultimately improve public health, protect lives, and ensure a healthier future for all.
The launch is a call to action for all of us. As we take this step, we invite every member of our community to join us in supporting this vital initiative. Together, we can ensure a mosquito-borne-disease-free future for the Republic 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

JICA and Ministry of Health & Human Services Announce Majuro Hospital Roof Reconstruction Project

Majuro, Marshall Islands – November 4, 2024 – The Ministry’s Leadership Team (MLT) recently met with Ms. ONO Yukari, Resident Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Marshall Islands Office, who announced JICA's final approval for the roof reconstruction of the JICA Building at Majuro Hospital.

Scheduled from January to July 2025, this project marks a key milestone in the hospital's ongoing upgrades, aimed at enhancing the safety and resilience of healthcare facilities for both patients and staff.

MoHHS Secretary Francyne Wase-Jacklick expressed gratitude for JICA's continued partnership, emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to a secure and effective healthcare environment in the Marshall Islands.

For further information on the Majuro Hospital Roof Reconstruction Project or other ongoing MoHHS-JICA initiatives, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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