Signing Ceremony for the Japan and UNFPA Maternal Healthcare Services Strengthening Project
2026/3/5
On February 18, 2026, Ambassador Kagomiya and Ms. Bidisha Pillai, Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Pacific Sub-regional Office, signed the project to strengthen maternal healthcare services in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).
This project will be implemented with approximately $3.4 million in support from Japan, and will support the provision of medical equipment to medical institutions in each state, develop waiting facilities to ensure that pregnant and postpartum women living in remote areas such as outlying islands can secure access to hospitals, and train healthcare workers in each state, with the aim of reducing FSM’s maternal mortality rate, which is higher than the world average.
Ambassador Kagomiya stated that UNFPA, the implementing partner of this project, has extensive experience and expertise in strengthening and promoting access to healthcare services. He expressed his expectation that the project would work closely with Japan’s existing efforts and make a significant contribution to the further improvement of maternal and child healthcare services in the FSM.
Director Pillai expressed UNFPA’s deep gratitude for the support of the Government of Japan and stated the necessity of empowering local communities through investment in maternal healthcare services.
In addition, Mr. Herman Semes Jr., Assistant Secretary of the FSM Department of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Moses Pretrick, Acting Secretary of the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs, also expressed gratitude for Japan’s support and the importance of improving maternal healthcare services.
This project will be implemented with approximately $3.4 million in support from Japan, and will support the provision of medical equipment to medical institutions in each state, develop waiting facilities to ensure that pregnant and postpartum women living in remote areas such as outlying islands can secure access to hospitals, and train healthcare workers in each state, with the aim of reducing FSM’s maternal mortality rate, which is higher than the world average.
Ambassador Kagomiya stated that UNFPA, the implementing partner of this project, has extensive experience and expertise in strengthening and promoting access to healthcare services. He expressed his expectation that the project would work closely with Japan’s existing efforts and make a significant contribution to the further improvement of maternal and child healthcare services in the FSM.
Director Pillai expressed UNFPA’s deep gratitude for the support of the Government of Japan and stated the necessity of empowering local communities through investment in maternal healthcare services.
In addition, Mr. Herman Semes Jr., Assistant Secretary of the FSM Department of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Moses Pretrick, Acting Secretary of the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs, also expressed gratitude for Japan’s support and the importance of improving maternal healthcare services.
Ambassador delivering remarks
Ambassador and Ms. Pilai, Director of the UNFPA Pacific Sub-regional Office, signing the Exchange of Notes
Ambassador and Director Pilai shaking hands after the signing.