Embassy Highlight
Ambassador Kicks Off 2nd FSM Pandemic Influenza Summit
(March 10, 2008) Ambassador Miriam Hughes delivered key remarks at opening ceremonies for the Second FSM Pandemic Influenza (PI) Summit held at Pohnpei State Hospital from March 10-14, 2008. Co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs, and the World Health Organization, the five-day event drew over 50 participants from the health care sector of all four FSM states, the FSM and U.S. national governments, and international non-governmental organizations. Ambassador Hughes stressed the importance of preparedness and partnership, noting the critical importance of developing contingency plans and engaging all players actively in the planning process. The United States has so far allocated some $6.3 billion in emergency funding to address the PI threat domestically and internationally. The United States supports preparedness efforts in more than 67 countries through a variety of organizations, including the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Organization for Animal Health, and others.