Health
Understanding Suicide in Belize: Insights on Suicide Prevention Day
September 10th marks Suicide Prevention Day, a global initiative to highlight the urgent need for mental health awareness and support. In Belize, where community ties are strong and cultural values deeply rooted, the issue of suicide remains complex and often misunderstood. As the nation reflects on this significant day, it’s crucial to address how suicide is perceived locally, its impact on communities, and the available resources for mental health support.
Health
Ministry of Health & Wellness Launches 2024 Community Health Workers Manual
The Ministry of Health & Wellness, with support from UNICEF Belize, has taken a significant step to strengthen Belize’s primary health care system. At the Old Belize Conference Room, officials gathered to launch the Community Health Worker’s (CHW) Manual and Job Aide tool.
Health
Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit receives upgrade
The Accident and Emergency Unit at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize City has been upgraded, marking a significant milestone in healthcare. The Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, in a powerful display of collaboration, prioritized the enhancement of the most frequently utilized area within the unit. This joint effort aims to improve the quality of care provided to the diverse patients they attend daily, underscoring the importance of unity in the pursuit of better healthcare.
Government
Government Explains Acquisition of Land for New Hospital in Belmopan
In April 2023, Cabinet approved the construction of a modern national referral tertiary care hospital that would also serve as a university hospital for the University of Belize, which would be funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by way of a US$45m loan through the Saudi Arabia Fund for Development. This proposed hospital was approved by the House of Representatives on 19th May 2023, and signed into law in June of 2023. On 16th April 2024 Cabinet gave its approval for the relocation of the proposed Belmopan Tertiary Hospital, to a more accessible location near the George Price and Hummingbird Highways.
Health
San Pedro residents continue to benefit from mobile health clinics
Promoting healthy lifestyles in San Pedro Town has been an ongoing project for the current administration. On Friday, August 9th, Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez and partners organized another Mobile Health Clinic. Held at Central Park in the downtown area, the initiative is a collaboration between Perez’s office, the San Pedro Town Council, PAHO Belize, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and the San Pedro Lions Club. Throughout the day, island residents benefited from health services, wellness screenings, evaluations, and free consultations with medical professionals from the island and the mainland.
Health
IncludeMe2, beacon of hope for children with autism in San Pedro
As advances in technology, medical care, and social norms continue, some subjects are still considered sensitive to talk about, and Autism is seen as one of those topics. It may not always be immediately apparent and might be mistaken for typical delayed behavior. On Ambergris Caye, a new organization called IncludeMe2 has emerged to help children with disabilities and special needs access more inclusive opportunities. The organization aims to break down the barriers these children face in the community.
Health
Construction for San Pedro and Caye Caulker General Hospital begins
The construction of the San Pedro and Caye Caulker General Hospital, a significant milestone for the islanders, has begun. The first piles of its foundation have been erected, marking the start of a project expected to improve healthcare services for the community significantly.
Health
COVID-19 Cases on the rise again in Belize
The Ministry of Health and Wellness has alerted the press to a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the Belize District and the Cayes. These areas, particularly popular among tourists, have seen a rise in infections due to increased movement. Dr. Russell Manzanero stressed that COVID-19 is still a threat and is likely underreported due to insufficient testing. He urged residents to wear masks, especially when visiting older family members, and to strictly adhere to safety guidelines to contain the spread of the virus.
