MICKONESIAN & PACIFIC COLLECTION Community College of Micronesia f\ T}*>-» ICO JPonape, E, Caroline Islsndf The National Union

AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION FOR THE PEOPLE AND THE STATES OF THE FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA Volume 4 Kolonia, Ponape, December 15, 1983 Number 23 Nakayama cites new era of cooperation; Kabua wants to start Kosrae air service

TAFUNSAK, Kosrae - Air Marshall Islands wants to be the first to provide service to the new Kosrae International Airport, President Amata Kabua said during the Dec. 9 dedication of the first phase of the $21.7 million airport and dock complex here. FSM President Tosiwo Nakayama said, "It is my hope that we confirm the bonds of friendship between our peoples and continue this new era of mutual coopera- tion," in welcoming Kabua and Nauru Deputy President and Works Minister Burroa Detudamo. An estimated 5,000 people attended the 11-hour ceremony at the dock site, including hundreds from Nauru and the Marshall Islands. Construction on the airport-dock and access road began Feb. 1, 1980, with landfill in the lagoon on the western side of/Kosrae island, according to State In- formation Officer Alex Phillip. The run- KOSRAE AIRPORT DEDICATED - Republic of Nauru Deputy President and way is 5,750 feet long to accomodate Works Minister Burroa Detudamo is speaking during the Dec. 9 dedication of the jets, and the dock front 550 feet long. Kosrae International Airport and dock. From left are FSM President Tosiwo Naka- It is scheduled to be 90 per cent yama, Detudamo, Marshall Islands President Amata Kabua, FSM Congress Speaker completed in March, 1984, with an addi- Bethwel Henry and Kosrae Budget Officer Frank Lonno, who was master of cere- tional $8.5 million in apron fill, paving, monies. terminal facilities and utilities, all by Kong Yung Construction Co. of South Korea. Kabua said, "it is the wish of my Presidents follow up on accords government to be the first to provide air service to the people of Kosrae. AGANA, Guam — Meeting in further- ween the governments in a number of "Many Kosraeans live in my country ance of the Saipan Accords, signed Oct. areas of regional importance. and many of us are from the same fami- 5, the leaders of the Republic of Palau, Among the topics covered were the (Continued on page 4) the Federated States of Micronesia future development of the College of and the Republic of the Marshall Islands Micronesia, participation in federal prog- covered a wide variety of topics during rams, medical referral costs, immigration \lnside. a two-day meeting Dec. 12-13 here, procedures, social security and prior according to a press release issued by the service benefits and the conduct of an leaders. information program in the United FSM President Tosiwo Nakayama, States in support of the Compact of Truk curbs cholera Palau President Haruo Remeliik and Free Association. (See page 8) President Amata Kabua of the Marshall Islands met briefly while staff working The three heads of state agreed the Community service imposed groups devoted their time to furthering meetings were very productive, and the aims of the Saipan Accords. mat they would come together again ,<. (Seepages) The Accords stressed cooperation bet- at a time and place to be selected. Youfft program considered ILO population MOEN, Truk - The U.S. Peace Corps "We are looking into the possibility Workshop opens is considering implementing youth pro- of a youth development program as it grams as they apply to economic deve- applies to economic development," she KOLONIA, Ponape - The Internation- lopment in Micronesia, according to the said, during an interview here. al Labor Organization seminar on popu- organization's small enterprise develop- "Part of my trip here is orientation lation characteristics being held for the ment coordinator, Barbara Aycock. and part is to look at small business FSM in Ponape may be the first of its Ms. Aycock vi-jj" programs, make recommendations and kind in Micronesia, according to ILO 1sited Ponape Nov.! try ot see if the models used here are South Pacific Director David Groman. 23-30 and ~ applicable to other parts of the world," "Depending on its outcome, we might Nov. 30-Dec. 4j Ms. Aycock said. contemplate holding similar ventures in during her oriental-! In Ponape, she met with the Peace the Marshall Islands and Palau," Groman ion trip throughp Corps Micronesia Country Director Jerry said during the opening ceremony Dec. Micronesia. Sh< Penno and her staff; Gov. Resio Moses, 11 in the Palm Terrace Restaurant. was scheduled special assistant to the governor for The seminar which is covering popu- Ibe in Guam Dec.1 economic development Alex Luzama, the lation characteristics, their relationship 4-5 for an in-ser-l Ponape Chamber of Commerce, business to employment and development plann- vice training prog- Ms- Aycock and government agencies sponsoring ings, labor policies, management and ram for volunteers working throughout volunteers and officials of the FSM women's interest issues was being held Micronesia and to visit Palau, Dec. 6-12. Development Bank. through Dec. 16 at the Pohnpei Hotel The Peace Corps has three volunteers In Truk, she met with Lt. Gov. Bob with eight ILO staff members and 20 serving as small business advisors in Truk; Mori, Peace Corps volunteers and staff, FSM state and national government seven in Ponape; six in the Marshall Legislature Speaker Kisande Sos, Res- Resources and Development representa- Islands, three in Palau and one in Yap, ources and Development Director Redley tives participating. she said. Killion and development bank officials. Vice President Bailey Olter said dur- ing the opening reception that a seminar Second Trukese priest ordained of the kind was overdue in coming to Micronesia. MOEN, Truk - Julio Angkel of Parem is located. Ponape Gov. Resio Moses welcomed became the second Trukese to be ordain- Father'Angkel and Samo are members the seminar on behalf of his government ed a Catholic priest during a ceremony of the Diocesan Order. which is the co-host with the FSM Dec. 3 in the Immaculate Heart of Mary The Rev. Angkel, 29, is a graduate of Resources and Development Department Cathedral here. Truk High School who attended the through its Immigration and Labor The ceremony originally was schedul- University of Guam for two years; Division. ed to be held at the Rev. Mr. Angkel's Ateno de Manila University, Philippines, birthplace on Parem Island, Truk Lagoon. two years, and completed four years of Gov. Erhart Aten ordered the site studies at the Pacific Regional Catholic Seaweed pro/ecf laudied changed to Moen on Dec. 1, after the Seminary, Suva, Fiji. Truk State Cholera Task Force went to He is the son of Moap Angkel and the KOLONIA, Ponape - Ponape launch- Parem and determined that it did not former Nusia Kapriel of Parem, and he ed its seaweed farming industry when a have adequate sanitation facilities for the has four brothers and five sisters. State Economic Development Adminis- crowd of up to 3,000 people expected tration loan was presented to Harbor and that the ceremonial site was flooded View Corp. of Uh to purchase equipment by recent rains. for the project. The Most Rev. Martin Neylon, Bishop The $8,000 loan was signed over to of the Catholic Diocese of the Caroline the firm during a Dec. 1 ceremony in and Marshall Islands, said the ordination the EDA offices here. mass in the Truk Cathedral. The Rev. The funds are from a $230,000 Gary Bradley, S.J., superior of Jesuits marine resources grant provided by the in Truk, and the Rev. John Nicholson, FSM Congress and matched with S.J., were concelebrants. $115,000 by the Ponape State Legisla- The Rev. Amando Samo, the first ture according to EDA Executive Direc- Trukese ordained a Catholic priest tor Anson Chong. during a cermony in 1977 on his native The project is being developed under Moch Island in the Mortlocks, also the direction of Dr. Max Doty of the assisted hi the mass. University of Hawaii who developed the The mass was followed by festivities, largest seaweed industry in the Philip- including singing and dancing by groups pines, according to Chong. from the lagoon islands, on the adjoin- The State Marine and Aquatic Division ing St. Cecilia School grounds in Tunnuk is providing technical assistance for the Village, Moen. project, he said. PRIEST ORDAINED - The Most Rev. Father Angkel was scheduled to say Martin Neylon, Bishop of the Catholic Mikel Camacho, president; Airmerson his fust mass Sunday morning in the Truk Diocese of the Caroline and Marshall Doner, vice president, and Leon William, Cathedral. He will be assigned to the Islands, standing left, is celebrating the manager-treasurer, represented Harbor Namisofo Parish in the lagoon which has ordination mass Dec. 3 in the Truk View at the ceremony, while Gov. Resio Cathedral, Moen, for the Rev. Julio not had a parish priest for several years. Angkel, kneeling, with the Rev. John Moses, EDA Chairman Kasiano Joseph It includes Ramanum, Eot and Udot Nicholson, S.J., seated, and the Rev. and EDA Vice Chairman Heinrich Iriarte where the St. Francis of Assisi Church Amando Samo participating. represented the state. H EC w Cop/fa/ funding, health support urged during visit 2

KOLONIA, Ponape - Funding of a, new FSM capitol and support for health manpower and preventive care programs were requested during the Dec. 4-7 visit here by Kathy Johnson of the U.S. House Interior Committee staff. Ms. Johnson was accompanied by Laurie Neville of the Office of Territorial and International Affairs and Tommy Perez, OTIA technical assistance repre- sentative in Guam. The visitors made courtesy calls on Vice President Bailey Olter and Congress Speaker Bethwel Henry, before meeting with the FSM cabinet and staff during the morning and with Gov. Resio Moses, Lt. Gov. Strik Yoma, Ponape State Legis- lature Speaker Salter Etse and other state officials during the afternoon on Dec. 5. They toured the Nan Madol ruins and Ponape Agriculture and Trade School on Dec. 6 and visited CIP projects and the future FSM capitol and College of Micro- INI. ,FF BRIEFiNG - Kathy Johnson, third from right, of the House In- nesia campus sites on Dec. 7, before departing for Guam. terior Committee staff is being briefed by national government officials during Dec. They were scheduled to go to Yap on 5 meeting in the President's Conference Room. From left clockwise are Interim Dec. 8; Koror, Dec. 10, and Truk, Dec. Postmaster General Leo Falcam, Special Assistant to the President leske lehsi. Ex- 13. before returning to Honolulu on Dec. ternal Affairs Secretary Andon Amaraich, OTIA technical assistance Guam represen- 14. tative Tom Perez, Ms. Johnson, Laurie Neville of OTIA, FSM Planning Advisor "We take^ the view that the U.S. Peter Dam, ^Status Commission counsel Greg Swartz, Budget Officer Del Pangelinan government owes us a capitol," External and Personnel Officer Kohne Ramon. Affairs Secretary Andon Amaraich said during the Dec. 5 meeting with the FSM 1985. The U.S. Congress did not approve power that the FSM is incurring debts cabinet and staff. a construction funding request for fiscal of as much as $1 million a year for "It is clear that the capitol still needs 1984, and the FSM is requesting some medical referrals to Guam, Honolulu and to be built and that we continually need $22 million total for the project. San Francisco. help," Amaraich said. Amaraich cited the shortfall in CIP Amaraich said that the FSM is asking The Reagan administration has com- projects between the $67,268,000 need the U.S. government to find a way to mitted $15 million to the FSM for relo- projected by the FSM and $32 million absorb the cost of the medical referrals, cation of its capitol to Palikir, including identified by the U.S. administration, until the Federated States can adequately $2,056,000 in fiscal 1983-84 for archi- stating that the U.S. Congress does not care for their people. tectural and engineering design work and have to agree with the administration Other issues covered included 1) lack a $13 million request for construction in figure, as it has been more generous of personnel to keep computers running in providing CIP funds' than the adminis- after they are installed in Truk and tration during the past two years. Kosrae, 2) lack of funds to upgrade the telephone system and 3) elimination of He cited the problem of determining funds for airport terminals in the four when the five-year CIP program is com- states, which Ms. Neville said would pleted, and said this should be resolved. be covered by funds being reprogrammed FSM Health Services Coordinator, Dr. from Palau. Kiosi Aniol, briefed the visitors on In the meeting with Ponape state health care problems, citing the previous officials, they discussed problems with emphasis on curative to the present em- the water and power systems. phasis on preventive care for the control of communicable diseases such as leprosy, Perez announced that the Interior tuberculosis and cholera which have Department is planning to put together a reached epidemic portions in certain team of mechanics to service the power parts of the Federated States. generators throughout the islands. A state budget office official said that Aniol said, "We have never had enough the total fuel reserve fund would not last RAMON SWORN IN - President Tosiwo medical supplies in Micronesia and medi- through fiscal 1984, indicating that the Nakayama, left, is administering the oath of office to former FSM Washington cal equipment is almost unknown," state would accumulate a deficit on Representative's Office special services Aniol said, adding that "right now there operating its power generators. coordinator Kohne Ramon as the second are dispensaries in Ponape, Truk and When asked by state officials what FSM Personnel Officer with Mrs. Elsyner Kosrae that are standing idle." Ramon holding the Bible on Dec. 7 will become of the CIP program, Ms. in the President s office. He said that it is due to the lack of Johnson said, "We should complete facilities, supplies and health care man- the basic infrastructure." Nakayama urges wise airport use, main fen once S3 OS — (Continued from page 1) In addition to Air Marshall Islands and Gov. Moses Mackwelung and a Kong Air Nauru, the guests were transported to Yung representative. lies," he said, adding, "I have no doubt Kosrae by Pacific Missionary Aviation Among other official guests were £ that regular air service between Kosrae and the field trip ships, MS Micro Glory Ponape Gov. Resio Moses; Yap Lt. Gov. and Majuro will strengthen our traditional and MY Kaselehlia. Each made a trip to Hilary Tacheliol; Speakers Ruben Toleno friendship and bring us closer together in pick up guests from Nauru and parts of Kun of the Nauru parliament; Allan many ways." Kosrae. Amen of the Marshalls Nitijela and Negotiations are underway between Mrs. George cut the ribbon officially Joseph Ayin of Yap legislature, and o the Marshall Islands government airline opening the airport and dock during Ponape Nanmwarkies (traditional chiefs) and the FSM national government on the ceremony. Other speakers were FSM Penido Peter of Kitti, Fredrick Iriarte landing rights in Kosrae, Kabua said. Congress Speaker Bethwel Henry, Kosrae of Nett, Yukiwo Salomon of Pingelap Air Marshall Islands made special trips Legislature Speaker Gaius Nedlic, Lt. and Sahn Johnson of Mokil. o to Ponape to ferry officials from the FSM national government and the other states to the dedication ceremony and back, said Master of Ceremonies, Kosrae State Budget Officer Frank Lonno. Air N Nauru brought officials and guests from Nauru to the ceremony. The Navy Officer in Charge of Cons- truction, Guam, administered the cons- truction as a part of the Trust Territory capital improvement program (CIP). Both the President and Gov. Yosiwo George thanked the U.S. government for providing funds for the project. Nakayama said that "because of friends in Congress, especially Congress- man Robert Duncan of Oregon, who convinced his colleagues of the neces- sities of the airport in Kosrae, we are here to dedicate this airport." He said "Let us show our gratitude by using wisely the airport that the government of the United States has RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY - Kosrae First Lady Antilese George, third from put hi place for us and maintain it so that right, is preparing to cut the ribbon officially opening the Kosrae International it will stand as a momentum to the suc- Airport and Dock during the Dec. 9 dedication ceremony. From left are Mrs. Burroa cesses that the administering authority Detudamo, wife of the Nauru Deputy President and Works Minister; Mrs. Nikeme has achieved during its trusteeship period Sigrah, wife of the FSM Congress Vice Speaker; Mrs. Madlina Nedlic, wife of the of over 35 years." Kosrae legislature speaker; Mrs. George; Mrs. Penina Mackwelung, wife of the Kosrae George said that the complex marks Lieutenant governor, and Mrs. Marihne Henry, wife of the FSM Congress Speaker. the beginning of a new era for Kosrae in the development of its economy and helping it become a member of the the beginning of a new era for Kosrae in the development of its economy and helping it become a member of the world community. Detudamo, representing President Hammer deRoburt of Nauru, said he was pleased to witness the largest invasion by Nauruans of other Micronesian islands since World War II when many were exiled from their home island. "After all, some of our roots came from Malem," he said. He also said it is still the intention of his government to operate Air Nauru service to Kosrae "in due course," citin the need to negotiate the service thougt. the FSM. The dedication ceremony, which began at 10 ajn. and ended at 9:30 p.m., AIRPORT GREETING — FSM President Tosiwo Nakayama, center, is being welcom- was attended by an estimated 650 guests ed to Kosrae by Gov. Yosiwo George, right and a State Police honor guard for the from Nauru, 360 from the Marsh alls Dec. 9 dedication of the Kosrae Internaional Airport and Dock. In the background. and about 90 from other parts of the Congress Vice Speaker Joab Sigrah of Kosrae is welcoming Speaker Bethwel Henry FSM, in addition to more than 4,000 of Ponape. The President and Speaker flew with other officials from Ponape to Kosrae ans. Kosrae on the Air Marshall Islands plane in the background. s a Mori FSMDB Z Vice President o KOLONIA, Ponape - FSM Develop- ment Bank Board Chairman Herman Semes announced the promotion of the o bank's secretary-treasurer, Manny Mori, to vice president, effective Oct. 1. The board approved the promotion during its Sept. 26-28 meeting, Semes § said in a Nov. 25 memorandum to state sr and national government officials, adding that Mori, who is serving as acting presi- dent, will continue to perform the duties of secretary-treasurer. 00 The board was scheduled to meet Dec. 13-16 in Ponape to consider applica- 2? tions for FSMDB president and other KABUA IN PONAPE - FSM President Tosiwo Nakayama, third from right, is host- •8 items. The position was been vacant ing a reception Dec. 10 in the South Park Hotel, Kolonia, for Marshall Islands Presi- since the contract of former FSMDB dent Amata Kabua, fourth from right, who stopped over in Ponape en route from the President Gunnar Thoren ended in July. Dec. 9 Kosrae airport dedication to a Guam meeting of the FSM, Mar snails and The bank received loan drawdowns Palau chief executives. Clockwise from left are Yap Lt. Gov. Hilary Tacheliol, Yap from the Trust Territory Economic State Legislature Speaker Joseph Ayin, Joan King, Nanmwarki Johnny Moses of Uh, Development Loan Fund (EDLF) of Nanmwarki loanis Artui of Sokehs, Mrs. John Haglelgam, FSM Supreme Court $233,470 for nine loans in October Chief Justice Edward King, Kabua, Nakayama, Marshall Islands Chief Secretary and $49,300 for three loans in November, Oscar DeBrum and FSM Congress Speaker Bethwel Henry. Mori reported. With a $237,300 drawdown for 10 loans in June and $150,000 in operating funds, the FSMDB has received a total Upward Bound expansion seen of $670,070 from the $3 million FSM KOLONIA, Ponape - Plans are being officials who have been operating the share of the EDLF. made to expand the Upward Bound Ponape Upward Bound program for three program for college-bound students to years "have offered to work on involving Estklel Malon dies Truk and Majuro and to transfer the CCM, and within a year or two, they Ponape program to the Community propose to turn over the grant complete- MOEN, Truk - Former Truk District College of Micronesia, according to Dr. ly to CCM," he said. Public Affairs Officer and Truk State William Kinder. Kinder said that he met with Ponape Legislature Liaison Officer Esikiel Malon Kinder visited! Upward Bound officials, as well as State died here Oct. 24 and was buried on Ponape Nov. 26-1 Education Director Damian Sohl, CCM Satawan, Mortlock Islands, the State 29, after becoming! President Catalino Cantero and COM Information Office newsletter, Us Me the executive dir-j Executive Director Loren Peterson to Auus, reported in its first edition, Nov. ector of the Pa-| discuss the future of the Upward Bound 11. cific Postsecondar" and other council programs. Mr. Malon was a native of Ta laland, Education Coun Cantero and Peterson are members Mortlocks, who began his public service and project dire of the council's governing board which career with the Trust Territory govern- tor of its Upwa^_ is expected to meet in American Samoa ment in 1954 as an education field assis- Bound program on Kinder in February, or March, he said. tant. He later became Truk District Sept. 1. He is on Other projects being undertaken by elementary schools superintendent and leave of absence from the Academy for the council include a propsoal to the served in that position until Sept. 1, Educational Development, Washington, U.S. Education Department to provide 1963. D.C., having served through it to help special services program grants to its He served in the District Public Affairs establish the council four years ago. members to provide extra help to dis- Office as Economic and Political Advisor The council received about $400,000 advantaged students in upgrading basic and Political Program Assistant, before to set up the Upward Bound program to skills. following President Tosiwo Nakayama prepare 200 college-bound students for The Upward Bound and Special Ser- as the second Trukese to serve as District the transition and successful pursuit of vices programs are part of the "Trio Political Affairs Officer. studies through the Micronesian Occu- Programs" which were designated for He also served as special assistant to pational College in Palau, University of priority funding for the territories by the the District Administrator for public Guam, Northern Marianas College in Education Department, Kinder said. affairs, Jan. 3, 1969-Jan. 10, 1971, and Saipan and American Samoa Community June 5, 1977 - April 21, 1979. He served College. The "Trio" actually includes four as Legislative Liaison Officer in the State Kinder said that he submitted a pro- programs, he said, stating, "the next Public Affairs Office until his death. posal to the U.S. Education Department one we will be looking at is Talent He was the first Trukese named to the for second-year funding that would 'Search, working with younger than First Congress of Micronesia staff and was expand the program to Truk and the Upward Bound high school students to a member of the group translating the Marshall Islands through the College of identified and develop college potential. FSM Compact of Free Association with Micronesia Continuing Education Cen- "The fourth is Educational Oppor- the United States from English to ters. tunities Centers which eventually may be Trukese during the past year. «»•*.;.« University of California, Berkeley, established by the council," he said. -1) Men calk special session to consider judges

MOEN, Truk - Gov. Erhart Aten first'Tuesday in November, 1985, with ally evaluate the amount of money called a special session of Truk State the elected officials to take office in needed to provide the functions and ser- £ Legislature to consider his new nominat- January, 1986. vices of this government to the people." ions for state court associate justices, Kosrae voters ratified their constitu- He said that the 1983 DOI budget ueople residing within the municipality. committee which also included Sizue LB 633-83 LD1 authorizes $22,000 Yoma, co-chairperson; Elementary o construct a road hi Paremkep and Education Division Chief Joseph Felix; vater systems in Eirike and Kahmar Curriculum Supervisor Casiano Shoniber ections and to purchase materials for and Art Specialist Henter Lawrence. he completion of Nett Elementary Winners were chosen Nov. 25 from ichool Cafeteria. more than 100 entries by a panel of LB 634-83 authorizes $10,000 to judges which included Koisimi Rudolph, :omplete construction of the new Com- Wehns Billen, Tom Beckman, Karen nunity College of Micronesia dormitory. Carrol and Henter Lawrence. LB 643-83 requires that the governor First prize was $25, second $15 and ubmit to the legislature the Ponape State third $10 in each of the categories. :omponent of the official Overall Eco- Other winners were: Category I, lomic Development Plan required by grades K-2-Meislihn Pelep, Wapar Ele- lection 211 (b) of the Compact of Free mentary School, first; Joselyn Gallen, Association, before the governor submits Ohmine Elementary School, second, and t to the U.S. government. Edwin Johnny, Palikir Elementary LB 568-83 LD1 authorizes $20,000 School, third. o fund a three-day state-wide leader- DESIGN WINNER - Santrigo Suzumu, ship conference on political status deve- Category n, grades 3-5 — Christopher an eigth grade student at Sapwehrek Johnson, Ohmine Elementary School, Elementary School, Madolenihmw, is lopment scheduled to begin Feb. 6. It was first; Valeric Mizard, Likie School, being presented the $50 grand prize in introduced by Senators Bernell Edward second, and Tania Moses, SDA School, the first annual Ponape State Christmas and Alter Paul of Kitti, Joanes Edmund third. Card Design Contest on Dec. 7 by First of Nett, Hilary Conrad of Sokehs, Joseph Category ffl, grades 6-8 — Harbert Lady Susan Moses. Moses of Uh and Pedrus Silbanuz of Tom, Wenik Elementary School, first; Madolenihmw. oo Leprosy cures cited Truk curbs spread of cholera In workshop MOEN, Truk - Truk is succeeding in weeks from today (Dec. 6)." KOLONIA, Ponape - Most people limiting the spread of cholera this year, Aten said that the additional $2 mil- do not realize that leprosy can be cured Gov. Erhart Aten reported in an appeal lion will provide the materials to continue with modern drugs, according to a World to the U.S. government to continue the construction and medical supplies Health Organization consultant who con- funding the cholera-control program here. and health education materials to reach ducted a workshop here Dec. 5-9 in the State Health Services Director Ngas another 25 per cent of the 40,000 people identification, prevention and treatment Kanso reported 180 bacteriologically con- in Truk. of the disease. O firmed cholera cases and three cholera- "We still have a long way to go," The workshop was conducted at the caused deaths between July 18 when the he said, adding that "the construction Ponape State Hospital for Ponape and disease reoccurred in the state and Dec. 5. phase of the cholera project has been Kosrae health services personnel by Dr. After the first outbreak of cholera in going hand in hand with our health Jose R. Soldevilla of the Philippines, Truk, which began in August, 1982, the education program," on the proper use a WHO leprologist stationed in Papua- O disease reached epidemic portions by of the facilities. New Guinea who was scheduled to repeat < Nov. 17 when 540 confirmed cases and "My people have taken the responsi- the training Dec. 12-16 at the Truk State four confirmed deaths were reported. bility to fight cholera side by side with Hospital for the state and Yap. a By Dec. 22, 1982, there were 2,165 me," Aten said, noting that many fami- Leprosy is considered epidemic in suspected cholera cases, 759 confirmed lies have been using their own resources Ponape which has more that 800 known cases, 17 suspected deaths and four to build sanitary benjos and water catch- cases and Truk with 316 known cases, confirmed cholera deaths. ments. according to Dr. Kiosi Aniol, FSM The spread of the disease subsided "This to me is an indication that my health services coordinator, who said that in April, during the dry season, and people have cooperated with me without Kosrae has 34 known cases of Hanson's reoccurred in July, after the prolonged even asking me for assistance," he said. Disease and Yap, 39. drought ended. The main problem is to overcome the "We are progressing well and I think stigma attached to leprosy and the myths we are hi the right direction," Aten said, surrounding it, Dr. Soldevilla said, sugges- "as evidence by the reduction in the num- ting that leprosy victims be told that ber of cases." "for the sake of your families, you will He said that $1.6 million provided by not be spreading the disease within the U.S. government agencies for the two weeks," with proper medical treat- Truk cholera control program during fis- ment. cal 1983 is being used to build 1,100 He said that with modern drugs the water catchments, 4,000 water-sealed bacteria, Leprosy Bacillus, can be render- toilets, 100 hand pumps and 150 solar- ed non-infectious within one week and pump wells. killed in two-six weeks, the milder stages By Oct. 1, 64 catchments, 94 toilets, of the infection can be cured in six five hand pumpd and 30 solar pumps months and the more advanced stages had been completed under the direction in two years. of the Rural Sanitation Program headed "There is no need to isolate leprosy by Nachsa Siren, chief coordinator. patients," Soldevilla said, noting that "With this Phase I construction, we "only a small number (of patients) are will be able to achieve the number as infectious, and when the patient starts on indicated which would serve one-fourth regular treatment infectivity is reduced of the population of the state," the rapidly." governor said. LEPROSY WORKSHOP -- World Health Most people who come into contact 'We hope that the U.S. will be more Organization leprologist, Dr. Jose R. Sol- with the germ are not infected by it, sympathetic toward us in recognizing devilla, is conducting a training workshop because their body defenses are able to the need to continue this program," destroy the bacillus, he said, adding he said, referring to the Reagan adminis- on leprosy identification, prevention and reduced body resistance due to mal- tration proposal to discontinue U.S. treatment Dec. 5-9 in the Ponape State nutrition or other reasons is necessary funding of the cholera project hi fiscal Hospital for Ponape and Kosrae health to become sick with the disease. 1985. services officials. The workshop was Other aggravating circumstances are The project is being funded in fiscal being held Dec. 12-16 in Truk. poor hygiene and sanitation through 1984, he noted, stating "I anticipate overcrowding; effects of other diseases, an amount of $2 million for cholera such as malaria and influenza which will be made available within a couple of lower body resistance, and climate.

THE NATIONAL UNION Published by: FSM Intonation Office P.O.Box 490. Kotonia. POMP* Federated Sutn of Micronesia 96941 Telephone 648

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