President Wesley W. Simina Receives Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific – FSM Government

PALIKIR, Pohnpei — November 28, 2025 – His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), received Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific, for a courtesy call at the President’s Office in Palikir. The visit marks Dr. Piukala’s first official visit to the FSM and his first visit in his capacity as Regional Director.

President Simina opened the meeting by warmly welcoming Dr. Piukala and his delegation. Dr. Piukala expressed his gratitude for the President’s hospitality, followed by brief introductions from the WHO delegation.

During the meeting, Dr. Piukala highlighted the successful elevation of the WHO Liaison Office in the FSM to a WHO Representative Office, reflecting its strengthened commitment to the country. He also introduced Mr. Roderico Ofrin as the new WHO Representative for Northern Micronesia, covering the FSM, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Dr. Piukala noted that his visit serves as an opportunity to better understand the FSM’s healthcare system as a member state of the WHO. He emphasized that Pacific Island nations face similar challenges—such as geographical isolation and climate change—and underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing these issues. He reaffirmed that the success of member states is the success of WHO and reiterated the organization’s commitment to expanding its support and increasing its budget to better assist member states.

The Regional Director also shared updates from the Western Pacific Region, noting that with Indonesia’s reassignment from the Southeast Asia Region, the Western Pacific now comprises 38 countries and a population of 1.2 billion, making it the largest WHO region. He added that the upgrading of the WHO Liaison Office in the FSM to a Representative Office further demonstrates the organization’s dedication to supporting the FSM Government, particularly through the Department of Health and Social Affairs.

President Simina conveyed the FSM’s deep appreciation for WHO’s ongoing support, including critical assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic and the various scholarship programs that have strengthened the FSM health workforce. He also briefed Dr. Piukala on progress toward establishing the One UN House in the FSM and extended an invitation for WHO to participate in this initiative. Dr. Piukala thanked the President for the update and welcomed the opportunity for WHO’s involvement.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the FSM and WHO’s shared commitment to improving public health. Both sides expressed optimism that their continued partnership will yield meaningful progress for the FSM’s health sector and the wider Pacific region.