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.
Community and Society
Island Volunteers Boost National Blood Supply
The San Pedro Community Blood Drive Group held a successful blood drive at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II on Saturday, November 1st. By the end of the day, 19 pints of blood had been collected to replenish the national blood bank's supply. These donations will support emergency medical needs nationwide and ensure lifesaving blood is available when residents need it most.
Health
Belize Joins 10th Anniversary Campaign for Safer Use of Medicines
The Ministry of Health and Wellness is one of 130 partner organisations worldwide taking part in the #MedSafetyWeek campaign from November 3 to 9, 2025. The campaign encourages patients, families, and healthcare professionals to report any suspected side effects from medicines because everyone has a role to play in medicines safety.
Health
San Pedro closes October with Breast Cancer Awareness Walk
To honor those who have lost their battle with breast cancer and support those still fighting the disease, a group of islanders gathered at Central Park on Friday, October 31st, for an awareness walk through downtown San Pedro. The event saw participation from the San Pedro Lions Club, Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, local athletes, the island’s Health Department, the Labour Office, and other community members.
Health
Government Moves to Lower Cost of Chronic Disease Medicines
On the 23rd of October, the Government of Belize announced a significant initiative to lower the cost of some medicines used to treat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This move aims to improve the affordability of vital pharmaceuticals for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which impact many Belizeans nationally.
Health
Government Launches Program to Train More Belizeans for the Healthcare Sector
To address staffing shortages in the country’s healthcare system, particularly in anticipation of the new hospital being built in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, the Government of Belize has launched an ambitious initiative to train more Belizeans for careers in healthcare.
Health
World Diabetes Day Awareness Walk Scheduled in San Pedro
Island residents are gearing up to participate in a special event on Friday, November 14, 2025, to mark World Diabetes Day. For the first time, the People’s Diabetes Foundation (PDF) will bring its Diabetes Awareness Walk and Health Fair to the island, inviting residents and visitors to join in promoting better health and awareness. The walk begins at 9AM, followed by a health fair from 9AM to 1PM at Boca del Rio Park, where attendees can take advantage of free health screenings and informational booths. The event aims to shed light on diabetes prevention, education, and community support for individuals living with or at risk of the disease.
Health
Health Officials Monitor Rise in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Cases
Health authorities are reporting an increase in cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) across Belize, particularly among children under five years old. Clinics on both the mainland and islands have confirmed numerous infections, prompting advisories from medical professionals.
Government
Government tables Tobacco Control Bill
At the last sitting of the House of Representatives on Friday, October 17th, the Minister of Health and Wellness (MOHW), Honourable Kevin Bernard, introduced an ambitious Tobacco Control Bill. The legislation aims to reduce the risk of illness and death caused by smoking while preventing children from using tobacco products. The bill also seeks to align Belize’s national policies with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Health
Free Medical Mission to Provide Surgery Screenings in San Pedro
A major medical mission is scheduled for San Pedro Town, offering free surgical screenings for various health concerns. The event will be held at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II on Friday, October 24th, from 8AM to 3PM. It brings together the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) and Partners for Medical Relief for a one-day outreach to improve access to surgical care for island residents.
