Two Communicable Disease Control and Prevention grants await FSM Congress approval

FSMIS (August 29, 2013): On August 26, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) President Manny Mori transmitted to the FSM Congress information on two available grant awards from the United States Department of Health and Human Services for review and “favorable action”.

Under the FSM Code chapter 2 section 210, “foreign financial assistance” requires approval of Congress before the assistance can be utilized.

The two grants are for Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in the amount of $35,520 and Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Project in the amount of $204,405 at the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs. The HRSA amount is particularly for HIV “planed activities” and “related programs”.

As these grants are not part of sector funding under the amended Compact with the US, they are categorized and treated under the same process as other foreign financial assistance.

The President underscored the urgent nature of the requests, soliciting for required action during the upcoming September regular session, when Congress’ scrutiny of the FSM National Government fiscal year 2014 consolidated budget will have to be finalized.

For more information on these grants, contact the FSM Department of Health at 320-2619 or email fsmpio@mail.fm.