Yap Representatives Participate in FSM Cervical Cancer Elimination Policy Development Workshop

Thursday, October 15, 2026 /// DYCA PIO

Yap FM - Three technical representatives from Yap—Kassandra Lelman, Rolmy Hasugoiram, and Martina Reichhardt—participated in the FSM Cervical Cancer Elimination Policy Development Workshop held October 5–9, 2026, at the Island Palms Hotel in Pohnpei.

The workshop brought together representatives from FSM national and state health departments, UNFPA, WHO, UNICEF, JICA, the Kirby Institute, and other stakeholders to develop the FSM’s first National Cervical Cancer Elimination Policy and operational guidelines.

Yap, currently the only FSM state with an established cervical cancer screening program using HPV DNA primary testing, self-collection sampling, and on-island laboratory testing, was invited to share its experiences and lessons learned as other states work to establish their own screening programs.

Participants reviewed gaps in HPV vaccination, screening, diagnosis, referral, and treatment, and identified priority actions, including standardized service protocols, stakeholder coordination, and a national strategy and action plan aligned with WHO cervical cancer elimination targets.

The workshop was supported through the Government of Japan-funded Improving Maternal Health in FSM project.

Team Yap extends its appreciation to UNFPA, FSM National Health, and the Government of Japan for their continued support for women's health and wishes the state teams success as they work toward implementing their respective screening programs and advancing cervical cancer elimination nationwide.

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