October 9, 2026
Pohnpei, FSM—Three health representatives from Yap State participated in a national workshop in Pohnpei aimed at developing the Federated States of Micronesia’s first National Cervical Cancer Elimination Policy and operational guidelines.
According to a Facebook post from the Yap State Government, Kassandra Lelman, Rolmy Hasugoiram, and Martina Reichhardt represented Yap at the FSM Cervical Cancer Elimination Policy Development Workshop, held October 5–9 at the Island Palms Hotel in Pohnpei.
The workshop brought together representatives from FSM national and state health departments, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Kirby Institute, and other organizations involved in women’s health and cancer prevention.
Yap’s participation was particularly important because it is currently the only FSM state with an established cervical cancer screening program that uses human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing as its primary screening method, allows women to collect their own samples, and conducts laboratory testing on-island.
The Yap representatives shared their experiences operating the program and discussed lessons that could help the other three FSM states establish similar screening services.
HPV is a common virus, and persistent infection with certain high-risk types can lead to cervical cancer. HPV DNA testing identifies these infections, allowing health providers to identify women who may need additional examination or follow-up care.
Self-collection sampling can also make screening more accessible by allowing women to collect their own samples rather than requiring a healthcare provider to perform the collection procedure.
During the five-day workshop, participants examined gaps in existing services, including HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening, diagnosis, referrals, and treatment.
They identified several priorities for the proposed national policy, including standardized healthcare protocols, better coordination among participating organizations, and the development of a national strategy and action plan consistent with WHO cervical cancer elimination targets.
The workshop was intended to help establish a coordinated national approach while allowing individual states to develop screening programs suited to their healthcare systems and available resources.
The initiative received support through the Government of Japan-funded Improving Maternal Health in FSM project.
In its announcement, the Yap State Government expressed appreciation to UNFPA, the FSM national health authorities, and the Government of Japan for their continued assistance in improving women’s health services.
Yap’s representatives also extended their best wishes to the other state teams as they work toward establishing their own cervical cancer screening programs.
The development of a national policy would provide a common framework for expanding prevention, screening, and treatment services throughout the FSM. However, the government announcement did not specify when the proposed policy and operational guidelines would be finalized or formally adopted.
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