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.
Health
PAHO warns of growing pertussis threat amid regional vaccination gaps
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) renewed its urgent call on December 9, 2025, for countries in the Americas to close whooping cough vaccination gaps amid a sharp resurgence of the disease, also known as pertussis. The appeal followed PAHO’s latest epidemiological update, which shows that cases have been rising steadily across the region since 2023. Reported pertussis cases climbed from a low of 3,284 in 2022 to 11,202 in 2023 and 66,184 in 2024, with ten countries recording increases through November 2025.
Health
World AIDS Day testing event held in San Pedro Town
On Thursday, December 4th, the Dr Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II hosted a World AIDS Day testing event offering free testing for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The activity formed part of a national awareness effort that began on December 1st, World AIDS Day, and included a health fair that educated islanders on healthy lifestyles, the importance of knowing their HIV status, and ways to prevent the spread of a disease that continues to affect thousands of Belizeans.
Government
MoHW Holds Inaugural Meeting of National NCD Committee
The Ministry of Health and Wellness hosted the inaugural meeting of the National Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Committee earlier this week, marking a major milestone in the country’s commitment to reducing the burden of NCDs and improving the health and well-being of all citizens. The meeting brought together representatives from a wide range of sectors and stakeholder groups dedicated to strengthening the national NCD response.
Health
Seasonal Flu Vaccine Available at Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II
December has brought cooler weather and a rise in flu cases. Health officials say that flu activity is higher than normal for this time of year and urge people to protect themselves and their families. In San Pedro Town, residents are reminded that the seasonal flu vaccine is available at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II.
Health
San Pedro Lions Club leads 5K Diabetes Glow Run/Walk
The San Pedro Lions Club, in partnership with the 501 Run Club and the San Pedro Town Council, held a 5K Glow Run/Walk on November 28th to increase awareness about diabetes. The event, which commemorated this year’s World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14th, was postponed earlier in the month due to inclement weather.
Health
Government Responds to Public Concern Over E. Coli Findings in National Survey
Belize Water Services (BWS) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) issued public reassurances on November 26th following national concern over the MICS7 survey results, which indicated high levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination in drinking water samples collected from households across Belize. The clarification followed the release of preliminary findings by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), which were widely circulated, prompting questions about water safety.
Government
Two Cohorts of the Belize Police Department Receive Community First Aid Response Training
In partnership with the University of Colorado and the Belize Police Department, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) hosted two two-day workshops on the Community First Aid Response (CFAR) Learning Programme. The training, attended by 60 police officers from across the country, focused on enhancing their ability to respond to emergencies within their communities.
Health
SSB moves sickness benefit claims entirely online
Starting December 1, 2025, the Social Security Board (SSB) will transition the Sickness Benefit claim process to an online-only format nationwide. All claims must be submitted through the My Social Security Self-Service Portal (ssbportal.org.bz). Additionally, walk-in, paper submissions will no longer be accepted at branch offices.
Health
PCV 13 Vaccine for Children and Adults Introduced
The Ministry of Health and Wellness announces the introduction of Pneumococcal 13 (PCV13) Vaccine for children and adults.
Anyone can get Pneumococcal disease, but it is preventable with one single dose of Pneumococcal vaccine administered from 5 years of age and older. Persons with existing medical conditions and adults 65 years or older are at the highest risk.
Health
Belize Mission Project Spreads Smiles in San Pedro
From October 31st to November 7th, a team of dental specialists and volunteers from the United States, along with Belizean professionals, returned to San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, to offer free dental services to the community. Known as the Belize Mission Project, the group visits the island annually and has been serving Belizeans for over 30 years. This year’s team treated hundreds of adults and children, calling the trip another successful mission.
