Health
Ministry of Health & Wellness Encourages Vaccination of School Children
The Ministry of Health & Wellness encourages parents and guardians to have their children vaccinated with two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine before schools reopen.
Health
Ministry of Health & Wellness Continues Surveillance of Monkeypox
The Ministry of Health & Wellness (MoHW) informs the public that as part of its enhanced surveillance of monkeypox, three persons have been tested for the virus and have been reported as negative. There are four additional cases that are being closely monitored. Samples have been taken from those persons and results are expected shortly.
Health
U.S. Defense Department Partners with Belizean Surgeons for Medical Missions in Belize
A U.S. military surgical team with United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Joint Task Force (JTF)-Bravo based out of Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, will conduct a humanitarian surgical mission in Dangriga and Belmopan from August 15-27. This joint effort by U.S. Armed Forces medical professionals and the Belizean government is part of SOUTHCOM’s Global Health Engagements initiative.
Health
GOB to acquire Monkeypox vaccines
With the increase in Monkeypox confirmed cases near Belize, the Government of Belize (GOB) has moved ahead to acquire 1,300 vaccines against this disease. The spread has been detected in Mexico and Guatemala, and there is a concern that it could be seen anytime in Belize.
The Minister of Health and Wellness, the Honourable Kevin Bernard, confirmed that GOB had submitted the vaccine request. He shared on Thursday, August 4th, that his ministry has increased its surveillance and will closely monitor the situation and be ready to isolate any infected persons.
Health
Belize Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week 2022
World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated globally from August 1 to 7, each year. This year’s theme, Step Up for Breastfeeding: Educate and Support, speaks to strengthening the capacity to protect, promote and support breastfeeding across all levels of society and calls on all to work collectively to protect mothers’ and babies’ rights to breastfeeding.
Health
India donates 10,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19 to Belize
Since February 1st, the country has been without the AstraZeneca vaccines. At that time, the other types of vaccines available were Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Sinopharm. Six months later, AstraZeneca is again available in Belize thanks to a generous donation of 10,000 doses from the Government and people of India.
Health
Detection of Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 in the United States and Implications for Belize
On July 21, 2022, as a result of surveillance conducted in the United States of America, the New York State Department of Health reported the identification of a case of paralytic poliomyelitis in an unvaccinated individual in Rockland County, a vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2).
Health
New entry protocol to Belize; no COVID-19 vaccination or travel insurance required
As restrictions for COVID-19 placed on travelers visiting and leaving Belize are dropped, the Government of Belize continues to make visiting the Jewel easier and more efficient. The Belize Tourism Board advised on July 14th about changes regarding the previous mandatory health and travel insurance and vaccination requirements.
