Press Releases
Grant Assistance to the Federated States of Micronesia: Signing and Exchange of Notes on "the Project for Strengthening Maternal Health Care Services at Primary Service Delivery Points"
On February 18 (same day local time), in Kolonia, the Federated States of Micronesia, Mr. KAGOMIYA Nobuo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Federated States of Micronesia, and Ms. Bidisha PILLAI, Director, Pacific Sub-Regional Office and Country Representative, the United Nations Population Fund, signed and exchanged notes on "the Project for Strengthening Maternal Health Care Services at Primary Service Delivery Points" (project up to 533 million yen).
- In the Federated States of Micronesia, rising maternal mortality rates have been reported in recent years, with the vulnerability of maternal healthcare services and facilities significantly contributing to the high mortality rate. This project aims to facilitate the provision of equitable maternal healthcare services and reduce maternal mortality rates by improving obstetrics and gynecology facilities in medical institutions, installing medical equipment, and strengthening the capabilities of healthcare workers. This will contribute to overcoming the country's vulnerabilities.
- In the “Leaders Declaration” and the “Joint Action Plan” issued at the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) held in July 2024, Japan committed to promoting cooperation toward the “Healthy Islands Vision”. Specifically, Japan pledged to strengthen cooperation in developing resilient health and medical systems through the provision of medical institutions, high-quality medical equipment including telemedicine, and capacity building. This project embodies the Plan.
(Reference1) Basic Data on the Federated States of Micronesia
The Federated States of Micronesia covers an area of 700 square kilometers, a population of 113,160 (World Bank, 2024), and a gross national income (GNI) per capita of US$4,250 (World Bank, 2024).
(Reference2) 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10)
From July 16 to July 18, 2024, the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) was co-chaired by former Prime Minister KISHIDA and Prime Minister BROWN of the Cook Islands, the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). The Meeting was attended by the leaders and representatives of 19 countries, regions and regional organizations including Japan, 14 Pacific Island countries, two French overseas collectivities, Australia, and New Zealand, and the chair of the PIF. President Wesley W. SIMINA represented the Federated States of Micronesia.
The Government of Japan announced Japan’s commitment to continue its robust development assistance and support for more than 6,500 people-to-people exchanges as well as human resource development over the next three years based on the seven priority areas of cooperation which are in line with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent or “2050 Strategy" of the PIF: (1) Political Leadership and Regionalism, (2) People-centered Development, (3) Peace and Security, (4) Resources and Economic Development, (5) Climate Change and Disasters, (6) Ocean and Environment, (7) Technology and Connectivity.