The Department of Health Services conducted a High School Survey, along with NCD education and health screenings in Woleai.

Thursday, May 14, 2026 /// DYCA PIO

Yap FM - Earlier today, May 14th, the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Program team and partners, with support from the Waab Healthy Lifestyle Coalition, shared highlights from their recent trip to the beautiful islands of Woleai. During their visit, the team conducted the Rapid High School Survey while also providing NCD education and health screenings for the people of Woleai.

This survey was conducted from March 23rd to March 27th, reaching all five atolls in the island chain. The team was able to screen 245 people in the community for NCD risk factors like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, obesity, betelnut chewing, smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol, dangers of eating a high-fat/high-salt and low-fiber diet.

They also surveyed 115 high school students from grades 9 to 12. The Rapid High School Survey is an anonymous survey that measures each student’s height and weight and asks them 14 risk behavior questions relating to tobacco, alcohol, and vape use, mental health, and sexual health status. The survey is done every two years. The last high school survey done in Yap was in 2023/2024.

The women in Falalop, Woleai, were also treated to a PowerPoint presentation on the findings and recommendations of the 2023/2024 Youth Survey on student risk behaviors and the need for early healthy-habit interventions.

A nutrition presentation was made to all the elementary school students on the importance of eating healthy foods, fruits, vegetables, and local food, which is key to good health.

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