Micronesians: Who We Are

Nia Aitaoto M.P.H, M.S

October 13, 2010

Ethnic Identity/History Polynesians

Hawaiians, Samoans, Tongans, Maori, Tahitians, Cook Islanders, etc.

Micronesians Chamorros, Carolinians, Chuukese, Pohnpeians,

Yapese, Marshallese, Palauans, Kosraeans, etc.

Melanesians Papuans, Solomon Islanders, Fijians, Vanuatu

Islanders, etc.

U.S Pacific

Territories (Guam & A.S) Commonwealth (CNMI) Freely Associated States (Republic of Belau,

Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia)

Republic of the Marshall Islands

Spanish (1500 – 1886) German (1886 – 1914) Japanese (1914-1945) American (1945-Now)

Trust Territory: 1947-1978Compact Free Association: 1989

Relationship with U.S The Promise

Health Education Protection

The Reality High Poverty Disparity in Health Spending Migration to the United States

Health Expenditures

Per Capita (2006)United States: $5,711Palau $791Marshall Islands $471FSM $270

Source: Earth Trends

Life Expectancy Infant Mortality Rate

Infant Mortality Rate

Life

Expectancy

at birth

United States 6.5 77.71

FSM 30.21 69.75

Rep. of Palau 14.84 73.48

RMI 29.45 70.00

Source: CIA Factbook

Health Statistics

FSM

Citizens

RMI

Citizens

United

States

Obesity(aged 35-55)

80% 80% 38%

Hyper-tension

35% --- 20%

Diabetes 20% 30% 7%

Source: Micronesian Seminar 11/2004

Why are we at this Point? The Promise

Health Education Protection

The Reality High Poverty Economic Disparity Migration to the United States

Pacific Islanders in the U.S (In the 50 States)

Hawaii 282,667 California 221,458 Washington 47,761 Texas 29,094 New York 28,612 Florida 26,365 Utah 21,367 Nevada 16,234

Source 2000 U.S Censes

Health Concerns Non-Communicable Disease

Heart DiseaseDiabetesCancer

Communicable DiseaseTuberculosisMeasles Sexually Transmitted Disease

Health Concerns

Hansen’s Disease Suicide Alcohol Related Injuries Hepatitis B

Social Concerns

Lack “Western” Education Lack Skills Paying Job Lack Money Lack Food and Shelter

Key Pacific Cultural Concepts

Cultivating Relationships Harmony Respect for elders

ParentsBossesAuthority Figures

Mahalo!