MAKATI, Philippines — While attending the Conference on Philippine-Pacific Partnership on Sustainable Health Workforce for Health Security, held from November 27–29, 2024, in Makati, Philippines, Secretary Marcus Samo of the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs met with his counterpart, Secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa of the Philippine Department of Health. The two leaders discussed health issues of mutual concern, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance collaboration between the two nations.
The MOU outlines a partnership in which the Philippine government will deploy specialized visiting medical teams to the FSM, starting with obstetrics and gynecology specialists. These teams will provide training to FSM medical staff, with the FSM covering transportation and accommodation costs. This initiative is expected to help reduce infant and maternal mortality rates in the FSM. As part of the agreement, the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs will identify the areas of medical specialization needed, while the Philippine Department of Health will source and dispatch the appropriate medical teams.
The MOU was officially initialed by Undersecretary Dr. Kenneth G. Ronguillo from the Philippine Department of Health and Assistant Attorney General Robert Nakasone Jr. from the FSM Department of Justice, who acted as witnesses to the agreement.
The conference, co-convened by Secretary Herbosa and the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific Region, brought together 17 Pacific Island Ministers of Health and donor partners to address the critical need for a sustainable health workforce in the region. The Philippines, with its central location, robust presence of UN agencies, and renowned reputation for producing and exporting skilled health professionals, was an ideal host for the event.
The outcome statement from the conference underscored the shared commitment to addressing the shortage of skilled health workers in the region. Participants recognized that without an adequate number of health professionals equipped with the right skills, competence, and morale, the Pacific region would continue to face significant health security challenges.
This newly signed MOU reflects the FSM’s dedication to strengthening its health systems and addressing critical gaps, ensuring a healthier and more secure future for its people.
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