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
Other health-related concerns include climate change and its potential negative impact on medical supplies, crops, food security and shipments of food. The Framework for Sustainable Health Development in the Federated States of Micronesia for 2014–2024 provides the vision to ensure that people and communities are healthy and enjoy universal access to quality health services.