Health
MoHW Confirms First Human Case of New World Screwworm in Belize
The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) informs the public that the first confirmed human case of New World Screwworm (NWS) since its re-emergence in Belize in December 2024 has been detected.
Health
Ten countries in the Americas report measles outbreaks in 2025
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is urging countries in the Americas to strengthen immunization activities, enhance disease surveillance and rapid response interventions, as measles cases continue to rise in the region. As of 8 August 2025, a total of 10,139 confirmed measles cases and 18 related deaths have been reported across ten countries, representing a 34-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Health
August Blood Drive Yields 18 Pints
On Saturday, August 2nd, the San Pedro Community Blood Drive Group held a successful blood drive at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, collecting 18 pints of blood. The local blood drive group organizes regular drives to help build the supply at the national blood bank. Saturday’s event, held from 8AM to 2:30PM, saw many prospective donors making their way to the polyclinic to be screened for eligibility.
Health
PAHO/WHO partners with Belize in the New “Towards a Smoke-Free and Emission-Free Latin America” Initiative
Belize has been selected as one of four countries to participate in a landmark regional effort: “Towards a Smoke-Free and Emission-Free Latin America” Initiative, spearheaded by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW). This strategic initiative aimed to bolster national efforts to reduce the health, economic, and environmental burden of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke, while reinforcing global commitments to public health and sustainability, building on the 2020 South America smoke-free milestone.
Health
Measles Contained in Belize as Public Health Measures Prove Effective
On July 21, 2025, Belize’s health officials reported no new measles cases for more than two full incubation periods. This marks the formal end of the outbreak that began in early April and resulted in 34 confirmed cases, primarily in the Corozal and Cayo districts. The outbreak was initially linked to tourists returning from Mexico and affected only unvaccinated individuals.
Health
MoHW Introduces Rotavirus Vaccine to Belize’s National Vaccination Schedule
The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) announces the introduction of the Rotavirus vaccine to Belize’s National Vaccination Schedule, a vital step in reducing preventable diarrheal illnesses in children. The symptoms of the rotavirus infection include diarrhoea, vomiting, and severe dehydration. These symptoms can significantly impact children’s health and long-term well-being.
Health
Sargassum Surge in San Pedro Raises Public Health Concerns
For the last few months, the surge of sargassum along Belize’s coast has triggered mounting health concerns, especially in San Pedro Town. Beaches once drew crowds, but they now face a relentless assault from brown, decomposing mats of seaweed, posing not only environmental and economic threats but an escalating risk to public health.
Health
PAHO/WHO and the Ministry of Health and Wellness Join Forces to Strengthen Mental Health Services in Belize
In an effort to expand access to quality mental health services in Belize, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) and funding support from the European Union-Funded Health Sector Support Programme Project, launched a four-day Training of Trainers Workshop on the WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG) 2.0 for psychiatric nurse practitioners and medical officers from all health regions, countrywide.