Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694840098820.pdf (Micronesia, Federated States of)
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

21-40 RE: C.R.

NO.

21-101/H&SA SUBJECT: APPROVING A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $129,645 FROM U.S. DHHS, HRSA FEBRUARY 5, 2020 The Honorable Wesley W. Simina Speaker, Twenty-First Congress Federated States of Micronesia Third Regular Session, 2020 Dear Mr. Speaker: Your committee on Health and Social Affairs to which was referred C.R.
21-101, entitled: “A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ACCEPTING A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $129,645 FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, HEATH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, TO FUND THE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH PROGRAM IN THE FSM, INCLUDING ALL THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE ASSISTANCE”., begs leave to report as follows: The intent and purpose of the resolution are expressed in its title.

Your Committee held a hearing on January 29, 2020.


The witnesses present included: Secretary Livinson Taulung, Immunization Program Manager Carter Apaisam, MCH Program Dionisio Saimon, MCH Financial Specialist Vicky Wilkauler, CD Medication Director Mayleen Ekiek, Financial Specialist Takiko Ifamitik, AO DHSA Scott Mori, FP Coordinator Stanley Micky and Jun Bacalondo representing the Justice Department.

Chairman Perman welcomed the witnesses.


SCRL 21-49/CR 21-101/H&SA COMMITTEE STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

21-40 RE: C.R.

NO.

21-101/H&SA SUBJECT: APPROVING A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $129,645 FROM U.S. DHHS, HRSA FEBRUARY 5, 2020 Dionisio Saimon noted that this is the last alottment of a 5 year grant.

They will use the funds for a needs assessment.

Mr. Saimon shared that the program has transformed over the past few years.

It is a population based program.


He said they are looking at women and children’s health, infant health and special needs children’s health.

They are identifying priorities that have been followed and tracking data to see what has been successful.

This grant supports all services currently that are in place.

They are conducting a 5 year data assessment and reflecting on the past 5years.

Looking at what challenges they have faced and looking towards the needs of the future.
Secretary Taulung noted that the MCH program should be complimenting other services like nutrition and prevention, vaccinations, anemia, malnutrition, etc.

He shared that they have seen some progress through the program.

They are thinking about what happens when sector grants come to an end and how the programs will be sustained.

Senator Urusemal asked if the program has been helpful to the states.
Secretary Taulung responded that the funding may not be sufficient, but the programs are making a difference.

He has been working with program mangers to see how they can best support the state's work.

Chairman Perman noted that in the Adolescent Report, the age of consent is concerning.

He suggested that the Department should be identifying these types of issues and making recommendations for legislation to protect children.
Mr. Bacalondo responded and said that the age of consent is under state jurisdiction, however, he noted that CRC and other conventions the FSM is signatory of provide some teeth in order to strengthen laws and provide protection for children.

He stated that when the FSM becomes a signatory to international conventions, they look at the current laws to see if they are in compliance.

He noted that historically, the FSM had to make some reservations because they were not in compliance, CEDAW for example.
-2- STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

21-40 RE: C.R.

NO.

21-101/H&SA SUBJECT: APPROVING A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $129,645 FROM U.S. DHHS, HRSA FEBRUARY 5, 2020 Chairman Perman noted that the FSM is vaccinating 5 and under for measles.

He inquired as to how the FSM is responding to the Coronavirus.

He stated that there are FSM students in Wuhan and suggested that the Health Department needs to be working with Foreign Affairs.

He requested an update on the situation by next week.
Secretary Taulung shared that he had met with Foreign Affairs this morning and the students are being monitored.

The Embassy staff in China is working with them daily.

They are being well taken care of.

The first release of the countries response was shared with the public yesterday and what's next is forthcoming.

Your Committee on Health and Social Affairs is in accord with the intent and purpose of C.R.

No.

21-99, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto.
-3- STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

21-40 RE: C.R.

NO.
21-40 RE: C.R.

NO.

21-101/H&SA SUBJECT: APPROVING A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $129,645 FROM U.S. DHHS, HRSA FEBRUARY 5, 2020 Respectfully submitted, /s/ Ferny S. Perman Ferny S. Perman, chairman /s/ Tiwiter Aritos Tiwiter Aritos, vice chairman /s/ Esmond B. Moses Esmond B. Moses, member /s/ Derensio S. Konman Derensio S. Konman, member /s/ Aren B. Palik Aren B. Palik, member /s/ Florencio S. Harper Florencio S. Harper, member /s/ Joseph J. Urusemal Joseph J. Urusemal, member -4-