Pohnpei – A new immigration and border management project was launched in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) on June 15, aimed at strengthening control of infectious diseases at Points of Entry (POEs).  

The Strengthening Capacity of Border Control for Responding to Infectious Diseases in Pacific Island Countries project, implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the National and State Government of FSM, is funded by the Government of Japan. It is intended to help upgrade technology and equipment at sea and land POEs and strengthen Infection, Prevention and Control capacities of border control officials.  

During the launch ceremony, Ken Mizuuchi, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in the FSM, said Pacific Island Countries “have made a huge effort to contain COVID-19, including closing their borders. The Government of Japan has also contributed vaccines and medical equipment as well as vehicles for delivery to remote islands. However, it is still a big challenge to establish effective border control measures against the threat of public health risks such as COVID-19. We should work together to strengthen capacity of border control for the health and hygiene of the people on the islands.” 

Moses Pretrick, Acting Secretary, FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs, highlighted, “This project on strengthening capacity for border control will directly support implementation of our obligation under the International Health Regulations through strengthened border management, infrastructure, technology, knowledge and skills.” He furthered by adding that “I trust this project will also assist in keeping our borders open and sustain travel and free movement of people during future disease pandemics & public health emergencies.” 

The launch in Pohnpei follows the kick-off of similar projects in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and Samoa earlier this year. The border management projects are part of a larger USD 6.9 million intervention funded by the Government of Japan, which will be carried out in seven countries across the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea, the Kingdom of Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. 

“As this project is regional in nature, it offers us an opportunity to exchange lessons learned with each other, but it is also very important to ensure assistance is tailored to the specific needs of each country. It is my hope that starting from today we are able to work together to start identifying these needs and for this cooperation to continue throughout the project,” stated Salvatore Sortino, IOM Micronesia Chief of Mission.  

The launch event was attended by National and State representatives as well as air and sea port authorities from all four States in FSM. During the launch, participants identified urgent border control needs including isolation and quarantine centers, screening areas and thermal equipment. They also stated the importance of strengthening the capacity of POE staff in preventing the spread of infectious diseases through training.  

Over the next 24 months, IOM will establish multi-agency committees and implement the project in close collaboration with regional bodies such as the Pacific Immigration Development Community and the Departments of Immigration across the Pacific. This vision is expected to help ensure enhanced inter-regional coordination and border management. 

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For more information, please contact at IOM Micronesia: Haimanot Abebe, Email:  haabebe@iom.int, +691 320 8735