MHHS reports 221 completed screenings as cross-agency event links sports, wellness promotion, and NCD data collection.
KOROR, PALAU – The Ministry of Health & Human Services (MHHS) reported the completion of its inaugural Cross-Agency Wellness Volleyball League, held from September 22 to November 18, 2025. The initiative brought together 18 teams from government and private organizations with the dual goals of promoting wellness and gathering health screening data related to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
The program was funded through a portion of Palau’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax, administered via the National Coordinating Mechanism for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCM). According to MHHS, the league served as both a recreational activity and an opportunity to direct public health funds toward prevention, education, and data collection.
A total of 394 participants took part in the league, with 221 completing voluntary health screenings. MHHS stated that the information gathered will be used to support NCD research and guide future health-related policy decisions.
“This league provided an opportunity to combine physical activity with important health monitoring,” MHHS spokesperson Lucas Salii Jr. said. “The screening data gives us a clearer understanding of current public health trends.”
The league maintained a no-tobacco and no-betel-nut policy throughout its duration.
Ten partner agencies joined MHHS in the event, including the Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC), Koror State Government, the Palau Judiciary, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education, the U.S. Embassy, the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industries, SDA School Faculty, and the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC).
Among participating teams, the SDA Sentinels recorded the highest health screening completion rate at 92.5 percent, followed by the EarthMovers at 92 percent and the Bold Eagles at 80 percent.
The competition concluded with the following final placements:
- Champion: KSG Avengers (Koror State Government)
Second Place: EarthMovers (Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industries)
Third Place: SDA Sentinels (SDA School Faculty)
MHHS expressed appreciation to all participating teams and agencies, noting that the league will help shape future community health programs aimed at increasing public engagement in wellness activities and improving data collection related to NCD prevention. (source: PR)