BHA and IOM provide COVID-19 support to FSM
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- Category: News
- Published: Monday, 30 November -0001 00:00
- Written by Bill Jaynes
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FSM--The islands of the Federated States of Micronesia have so far been protected from COVID-19 thanks to quick government action. However, the risk of COVID-19 will remain until an effective vaccine is developed and available globally. Until then, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will work with government partners to further strengthen their capacity to prevent, detect and respond to an outbreak of COVID-19.
As part of the assistance to FSM, IOM will be carrying out a project called “COVID-19 Response: Strengthening Preparedness across the North Pacific”. The project is funded by the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), formerly known as the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), and will last from August 2020 to February 2021. The project will not target just FSM, but also the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and the Republic of Palau, for a total of $1,246,566.
With this funding, IOM will work with the State Risk Communication and Community Engagement sub-committees in each of the States to produce and translate posters. The posters will outline protection measures that you and your family can take to keep yourselves safe. IOM will also donate a large-format printer to Yap State Public Health to increase their capacity to carry out RCCE activities.
IOM will use this funding to purchase emergency assets, like temporary warehouse structures and/or medical tents. These can be used for the storage of goods and equipment or serve as a temporary medical facility. IOM will coordinate with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Department of Health and Social Affairs, State Health Services and BHA to donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and health supplies for frontline workers. IOM will also procure and distribute household WASH kits to families to help encourage good hygiene practices.
Finally, IOM will support the newly established Protection Cluster headed by the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs in their efforts to ensure that the country’s most vulnerable persons are prioritized throughout preparedness and response efforts. IOM will also work with the Pohnpei Women’s Council to increase their capacity to function as a safe space for women and girls.
The project’s focus on raising awareness, increasing preparedness and strengthening protection for victims of violence are part of IOM and BHA’s efforts to help prepare FSM for COVID-19. We look forward to working with our government and community partners over the coming months to help keep everyone safe.
For more information about our activities, please contact us at +691 320-8735, or the Program Manager Mr. Ryan McVey at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
