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FSM National Diabetes Control Council Established

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): January 8, 1997 - A Council has been established at the National Government to serve as an integrating entity to initiate, maintain, support, and guide the goals, objectives, tasks and activities of the ongoing non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention programs throughout the Federated States of Micronesia, with a special emphasis on the Diabetes Control Programs.

As such, the Council is responsible for sustaining the ongoing preventive health programs targeting non-communicable diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

The overall goal of the FSM National Diabetes Control Council is the reduction in the burden of non-communicable, chronic diseases through the development of a healthy lifestyle and diet among the whole FSM population, supported through an accessible system of community-based primary health care. The attainment of this goal is directed towards the reduction in prevalence of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases, through the processes of communication, coordination, and collaboration.

In the first meeting, the participants discussed the importance of taking early action to prevent and control diabetes and other NCD with a view towards formulating a national diabetes control council.

At the second meeting, the following issues were discussed: by-laws and purpose of the Council, officer/leadership structure of the Council, and overview of action plan of the Council.

Officials of the Council were also selected during the second meeting.