Health
PAHO Calls for Stronger Cervical Cancer Prevention on World Cancer Day
February 4th marked World Cancer Day, and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is calling for accelerated action to prevent cervical cancer across the Americas, including Belize, where the disease remains a major health threat to women. PAHO is urging countries to strengthen vaccination, screening, and treatment efforts to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030.
Health
Alma Pinelo Promoted to Vice Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard
San Pedro’s very own Alma Pinelo was promoted to Vice Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard (BCG) during a change of command ceremony held on Thursday, January 29th. The event also marked the appointment of Captain Gregory Soberanis as the new Commandant of the BCG. Soberanis was formally promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral (Lower Half) as he assumed command, taking over from outgoing Commandant Rear Admiral Elton Bennett.
Health
Flu Activity Increases Across Belize, Vaccination Encouraged
San Pedro Town is seeing a noticeable rise in seasonal influenza cases amid a broader surge in respiratory illnesses across Belize. Health authorities report that nationwide flu-related hospitalizations are up by approximately 50% compared with last year, with Influenza A (H1N1) identified as the dominant strain currently circulating.
Health
Health Ministry Emphasizes Importance of Blood Donation in Belize
The Ministry of Health and Wellness has assured the public that the national blood bank remains adequately stocked. The ministry stated that there are currently no shortages of blood, blood products, reagents, or supplies, and emphasized that blood donation drives continue regularly across the country.
Health
Community Unites: San Pedro Blood Drive Group Draws Donors from Across the Cayes
Island Donors Squad (IDS) and Ambergris Hope Hospital (AHH) came together for another successful blood drive on Saturday, January 24th, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The event recorded a strong turnout.
Health
Belize on Alert Following Measles Outbreak in Neighbouring Guatemala
Belize is on alert and urging the public to review their vaccination status following confirmed measles cases in neighbouring Guatemala. According to the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), more than a dozen measles cases have been confirmed in Guatemalan departments bordering Belize, including Petén and Izabal.
Health
Drug use disorders a growing public health concern in the Americas, PAHO study finds
Drug use disorders are a major and growing public health problem in the Americas. Drug use is among the top 10 risk factors contributing to all-cause mortality and disability in the Region, according to findings published in the Pan American Journal of Public Health.
Community and Society
Belize Mission Project Returns to San Pedro for Annual Dental Clinics
From January 12th to 16th, a team of dentists from the United States, part of the Belize Mission Project (BMP), returned to San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, to provide free dental services to the community. The visiting team, joined by local volunteers and specialists, held clinics for hundreds of island residents at the San Pedro Lions Den.
Health
Island Care Targets Flu Prevention with Free Vaccine Initiative
Island Care Medical Center in San Pedro held its inaugural free vaccination clinic on January 10, 2026, in the San Pablo area. The walk-in event ran from 9AM to noon. It offered free Prevnar 13 vaccines to help prevent pneumococcal diseases such as meningitis, pneumonia, and otitis media, along with influenza vaccines to reduce the risk of serious flu-related complications.
Health
BCVI Continues Eye Care Outreach with First 2026 Clinic in San Pedro
The Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI) held its first monthly free eye checkup outreach of 2026 on January 7th and 8th at the Lions Den in San Pedro. The clinic operated from 9AM to 4PM on Wednesday and from 9AM to 2PM on Thursday. Led by optometrist Dr. Nesani Glori and optical assistant Elia Slusher, a 24-year BCVI veteran, the outreach provided comprehensive screenings, including visual acuity testing and referrals for conditions such as cataracts and diabetes-related eye complications.
Health
PAHO’s progress in 2025: Protecting health for all
Throughout 2025, PAHO supported the countries of the Americas in responding to emergencies, eliminating diseases, and advancing health self-reliance. The year was marked by significant challenges, but also by encouraging results made possible through regional cooperation and the commitment of Member States and partners.
