WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REPORT ON GUAM

GUAM

WHO Country Cooperation Strategy 

2018–2022

OVERVIEW 

Guam is an unincorporated and organized territory of the United States of America in the western Pacific Ocean. Guam has an estimated population of 162 000 spread across 19 villages. The majority of people live in the northern part of the island. Guam is one of five Pacific island jurisdictions of the United States of America with a civilian government and a governor elected by popular vote. Guam’s economy is forecasted to continue a moderate expansionary trend, driven by military-related activities, tourism, construction, trans-shipment services, food processing and textiles. 

HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT 

The Department of Public Health and Social Services is responsible for public health policies. Guam Memorial Hospital, which is located in the village of Tamuning, provides a broad range of health-care services to residents and people from neighbouring islands, such as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia. The United States Naval Hospital Guam provides health services primarily to military personnel, but also provides voluntary community services to the civilian community. The Guam Regional Medical City, a private hospital, started its service in 2015 in the north of Guam. Non communicable diseases (NCDs) and communicable diseases were identified as important health challenges in the Guam community health assessment in 2014. The rate of NCDs continues to increase. In 2014, around half of deaths in Guam were attributed to heart disease (31%) and cancers (18%) such as lung and cervical cancer. However, fewer people are opting for cancer screening. Many people suffer from heart disease or are living with diabetes. Tobacco use is a major risk factor for these NCDs. Incidence of tuberculosis (TB) also remains high. 

READ THE FULL REPORT AT THE WHO WEBSITE .