PALIKIR, Pohnpei – The Honorable Vice President Aren B. Palik recently addressed the Pacific Islands’ Health Officers Association (PIHOA) 75th Executive Board Meeting, emphasizing the critical role of regional collaboration in addressing pressing health challenges in the Pacific. The meeting, hosted in Pohnpei from November 18-22, brought together health leaders from across the region to discuss strategies for improving public health outcomes.
Vice President Palik began his remarks by commending PIHOA for its 38 years of impactful work, celebrating its efforts to bring attention to the unique health challenges of Pacific communities, from infectious diseases to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). He acknowledged the leadership of PIHOA Board President, the Honorable Gaafar Uherbelau, Minister of Health and Human Resources for the Republic of Palau, and the entire PIHOA Board for their dedication to advancing public health in the region.
Highlighting the devastating rise of NCDs, Vice President Palik called the crisis a public health emergency requiring urgent, coordinated action. He stressed that NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory diseases, are responsible for the majority of preventable deaths in the Pacific Islands.
“This is not just a health issue; it is a social, economic, and cultural challenge that affects every aspect of our communities,” he said. “We must act swiftly to address the root causes, improve health education, and promote healthier lifestyles while strengthening healthcare systems to meet this growing crisis.”
Vice President Palik also addressed the significant health impacts of climate change, describing it as a health emergency in its own right. Drawing from his recent visit to the outer islands of Chuuk, he described rising temperatures and their direct impact on public health, particularly in exacerbating heat-related illnesses and cardiovascular diseases.
“The effects of climate change are not just environmental—they are profoundly human and deeply personal,” he said. “We must integrate climate resilience into our health strategies and empower local communities to lead in their own resilience-building efforts.”
As the meeting concluded, Vice President Palik urged attendees to prioritize shared responsibility and collaboration in addressing health challenges. He called for stronger partnerships, knowledge sharing, and investment in sustainable health systems to ensure equitable access to care for all Pacific Islanders.
“Health is a lifelong journey, and the stakes are too high for us to relent in our efforts,” he said. “Together, we can build a brighter, healthier future for our region.”
The FSM government, under the leadership the Simina-Palik administration, remains committed to working alongside regional and global partners to address public health and climate challenges.
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