National Food and Nutrition Committee established to improve health conditions of the Micronesian people

Details

Category: News

Published: Monday, 30 November -0001 00:00

Written by Bill Jaynes

Hits: 241

September 7, 2020

Kolonia, Pohnpei—The ad hoc National Food and Nutrition Technical Working Group headed by Mr. Wayne Mendiola, Assistant Secretary for the FSM Department of Education organized a Stakeholder’s meeting on August 30, 2020 at the UNICEF FSM Office in Kolonia, Pohnpei to discuss critical factors and plans in relation to the creation of the National Food and Nutrition Commission (NFNC).

When established, the goal of the NFNC, would be to help improve the health status and wellbeing of the people of the Federated States of Micronesia through improved food and nutrition. UNICEF is particularly committed to supporting the establishment of this commission as it believes nutrition is the bedrock of child survival, health, and development in any country. Well-nourished Micronesian children are better able to grow and learn, and to participate in and contribute to their communities, and to be resilient in the face of diseases. FSM as a nation recognizes the critical role of nutrition in preventing and controlling NCDs and reducing susceptibility to infections, including COVID-19, in both children and adults. 

Other key participants at the meeting were representatives from FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs (Tobacco, Sports, NCD), Pohnpei State Health Services- Public Health, and Island Food Community of Pohnpei, representing the Civil Society Organizations