The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) comprises over 600 volcanic islands and atolls across 1.5 million km2 of the Pacific Ocean. The estimated population was 113,000 in2021. The maternal death rate is high: 100 per 100,000 women die because of complications due to childbirth or pregnancy. Life expectancy is 63 years. In FSM, 73% of children are fully immunized.
High reliance on external sources for health systems development
The current health expenditure (CHE) as a percentage of GDP was reported at 12% in 2020, comprising the following shares. The government’s share was 24%, external sources contributed 73%, and out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses came in at 2%.
The country struggles with health burdens associated with both developing and developed countries. lower middle-income countries other countries. The management and treatment of infectious diseases, including poverty-related diseases, and chronic diseases are significant challenges in the country. Access to hospital services remains an issue, particularly for outer-island residents, due to transportation between islands. Tuberculosis has a high prevalence, as does leprosy – the latter being among the highest in the Pacific.
Impact of climate change on medical supplies and food
References
[1] World Health Organisation, Global Health Expenditure Database Health Expenditure Profile (choose country)
[2] Wheatley, Alex, and Subroto Banerji. “Health Engagement Challenges and Strategic Perspectives for the 2023 Health Financing Transition in the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.” Pacific Journal of Health, vol. 2, no. 1, Oct. 2019.