CDC and FSM National Cancer Program Conduct Site Visit in Yap

Friday, October 02, 2026 /// DYCA PIO

Yap FM - From September 28–29, 2026, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) National Cancer Program conducted a two-day site visit with the Yap Cancer Program to review ongoing cancer prevention and control activities and implementation of the FSM National Cancer Plan.

The visit was conducted by CDC Program Consultant Jamila Fonseka and FSM National Cancer Program Coordinator Kara Kaminanga. Discussions focused on the Yap Cancer Program’s accomplishments, challenges, work plan implementation, partnerships, monitoring and evaluation, comprehensive cancer control activities, technical assistance, and coordination with the FSM National Cancer Program and other state programs.

The team met with Yap Department of Health Services Director Theo Thinnifel and Deputy Director Dominic Taruwemai for an overview of the visit and program updates. They also met with Waab Community Health Center CEO John Gilmatam to learn about HPV primary testing for cervical cancer prevention and visited the Marba’a Community Health Center for a demonstration of the HPV screening and laboratory testing process.

The visiting team also met with Yap Immunization Program Coordinator Percilla Paul to discuss collaboration between the Cancer and Immunization Programs, particularly in support of HPV vaccination efforts.

Additional activities included a two-hour evaluation training for state cancer program staff across the FSM and a virtual meeting with the CDC Office of Grants Solutions.

Moving forward, the Yap Cancer Program will focus on completing the fifth year of its current grant, working with the FSM National Cancer Program and other stakeholders to update the five-year FSM Cancer Plan, and preparing for the next competitive five-year funding opportunity.

The Yap Cancer Program expressed appreciation to the CDC and FSM National Cancer Program for their visit, technical assistance, collaboration, and shared learning in support of cancer prevention and control efforts in Yap.

(For more information, please contact the Department of Health Services at 350-2110)