By: Summer Kennard
KOROR, Palau — “This is a humanitarian mission built around disaster response and health,” said Cmdr. Krystal Chunaco, director of medical operations for Pacific Partnership 2025. “We know our time here is short, so the goal is not just care today, but building long-term capability by working side by side with Palau’s healthcare system.”
The Pacific Partnership mission is providing free medical services and health education
across Palau while strengthening the nation’s long-term healthcare sustainability. Running from Sept. 23 to Oct. 6, the multinational mission brings together teams from the United States Japan, Singapore, Germany, Canada and Australia in collaboration with Palau’s Ministry of Health and Human Services and community organizations.
At the health event at Ernguul Park, Koror, visitors walked through rows of tents offering
specialized care. “On this side we have our dental teams,” Chunaco said, pointing to Navy
dentists working alongside German technicians and Japanese partners. “They’re doing oral
health screenings, fluoride treatments, and teaching patients about hygiene. For anyone who needs more serious care, we refer them to Belau National Hospital or clinics where our teams will also be working in the coming weeks.”
The optometry tent drew long lines, with residents receiving free eye exams, prescription
glasses and sunglasses. “All about eye health,” Chunaco said. “We talk about protecting your vision, because the bright sun can be just as damaging as poor eyesight.”
Other booths highlighted preventive care, with education on nutrition, women’s health,
breastfeeding and hygiene. A mental health team energized the crowd with activities focused on stress management and emotional well-being. “They’ve been visiting schools and will soon work directly with teachers on mental health training,” Chunaco noted.
Local agencies joined the effort, offering screenings for blood sugar and blood pressure. “The communicable and non-communicable disease units are here with us, drawing blood and conducting checks,” Chunaco said. To encourage participation, attendees were entered into raffles for prizes such as fuel cards and phone airtime.
Partners including the Red Cross, Peace Winds, PAWS, Bango and Omekesang also set up
booths, while the Pacific Fleet Band provided entertainment. “It’s free for everybody,” Chunaco said. “We bring all the supplies. The idea is to work together with Palau’s system, not just provide care and leave.”
For many residents, the mission offers both immediate relief and reassurance about the future. “We may only be here for two weeks,” Chunaco said, “but what matters is leaving behind stronger systems and better capacity to respond to health challenges and disasters.”
The Pacific Partnership will continue with outreach at the Belau National Hospital and
community clinics, as well as a two-day event in Peleliu on Sept. 29–30. Additional outreach is scheduled at the West Community Health Center on Sept. 26, the North Center on Oct. 2 and the East Center on Oct. 3.