For Immediate Release

April 10, 2026

Dear Pacific Colleagues,


On behalf of Theresa Arriola, Interim Board President of the Pacific Island Health Officers’ Association (PIHOA), we would like to inform you that the 78th PIHOA Executive Board Meeting has been postponed until further notice.


This decision was made in response to rapidly evolving weather conditions impacting multiple jurisdictions across our region.


Tropical Storm Sinlaku is currently tracking from the vicinity of Chuuk toward Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), with forecasts indicating a high likelihood of intensification into a Category 3 or 4 typhoon. Projected impacts are expected beginning Sunday evening into Monday (Guam time), with emergency preparedness efforts already underway.


At the same time, Hawaiʻi is preparing for a Kona low system forecasted to bring heavy rainfall and potential flooding, which has already begun to affect some members of the PIHOA Secretariat and surrounding communities.


Given these circumstances, and the potential impact on PIHOA Board Members, Secretariat staff, and partners across the USAPI region, this decision was made to prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of all involved.


We recognize and sincerely appreciate the leadership and dedication of our island health officials and partners who are actively preparing for and responding to these events to protect their communities.


We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding and continued support.


PIHOA remains committed to reconvening the 78th Executive Board Meeting as soon as conditions allow. We will share updates as soon as more information becomes available.


Your understanding and support is greatly appreciated.

PIHOA Secretariat 

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About the Pacific Islands Health Officers' Association


PIHOA's mission is to improve the health and well-being of the USAPIs by providing, through consensus, a unified credible voice on health issues of regional significance. Established in 1986, PIHOA is governed by and represents the collective interests of the USAPI health leadership from American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. 

 

PIHOA's Secretariat, comprised of executive, administrative, and technical staff and consultants, provides support to the USAPI health agencies and leadership in the following priority areas: health workforce development; epidemiology and surveillance; health systems performance improvement; laboratory services; regional health leadership and policy advocacy; Pacific health security; and, partnership engagement and coordination. PIHOA has two offices in Honolulu, Hawai'i, and Hagåtña, Guam.


Media Contact


Billie Hiraishi

Communications Officer

billieh@pihoa.org