Health
Excessive levels of lead detected in donated outdoor gym equipment
The discovery of lead levels in outdoor gymnasium equipment has led the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) to recommend the removal of such equipment from public spaces. This fitness equipment was acquired in 2018 through a collaboration with the Taiwanese Embassy and distributed nationwide, with San Pedro Town being one of the beneficiaries.
Health
Ministry of Health & Wellness Warns Public Against Tainted Supplements
The Ministry of Health & Wellness (MOHW), relying on alerts issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios COFEPRIS, and Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios AEMPS, and following its own investigation, is warning the public about the circulation of tainted dietary supplements in Cayo, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, and Belize districts.
Health
The Salud Mesoamerica Initiative saves the lives of thousands of Belizean mothers and newborns
In Belize, the proportion of mothers and newborns receiving quality care for obstetric and neonatal complications more than doubled between 2012 and 2022, thanks to Salud Mesoamerica Initiative (SMI) efforts to improve maternal, child, and reproductive health in terms of access, use, and quality. Administered by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), this regional health initiative significantly improved health care for the poorest 20% of women, children, and adolescents in not only Belize, but also six other Central American countries and one Mexican state, according to an independent study from NORC at the University of Chicago.
Government
The Belize Health Sector Strategic Plan launched to improve public health and well-being
The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) has launched a strategic plan aimed at improving access to universal health services for Belizeans. This initiative, known as the Belize Health Sector Strategic Plan 2025-2034, outlines a clear vision to address key challenges within the health system and enhance the nation’s healthcare services, including promoting healthier lifestyles. The program was officially launched on March 21st in Belize City. The event was attended by the ministry’s leadership and representatives from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), a key partner that provides technical and financial support to the initiative.
Business & Economy
New World Screwworm Cases continue to climb across Belize
Since January, Belize has been facing a rapid increase in cases of New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax), with the outbreak spreading beyond its initial containment in the Toledo District. By March 21st, authorities confirmed 33 cases across multiple districts, including Cayo, Belize District, and Orange Walk. This shows a significant rise from the eight cases reported in February, indicating a growing threat to the country's livestock sector.
Health
Government of Belize Launches the Belize Health Sector Strategic Plan (BHSSP) 2025-2034
The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) announces the official launch of the Belize Health Sector Strategic Plan (BHSSP) 2025-2034, a transformative roadmap designed to strengthen Belize’s health system and advance Universal Health for all Belizeans.
Community and Society
Rickilee Response and Rescue donates medical supplies to San Pedro Polyclinic
On March 19th, Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II received much-needed donations from Rickilee Response and Rescue (Triple R), marking community-driven healthcare support. Notable figures, including Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Nuñez, Area Representative Andre Perez, and Deputy Mayor Ernesto Bardalez, attended the event, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in improving local healthcare services.
Community and Society
Island Donors Squad starts the month of March with a blood drive
On Saturday, March 1st, a blood drive organized by the Island Donors Squad (IDS) in collaboration with the Ambergris Hope Hospital and volunteers from the Washington University of Health and Science (WUHS) collected approximately 11 pints of blood.
