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.
Government
MOHW clarifies the requirement to import commercial and home test kits for COVID-19
On Wednesday, July 13th, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) issued Statutory Instrument No. 100 of 2022 (https://www.pressoffice.gov.bz/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SI-No-100-of-2022-Public-Health.pdf) which informs about approved testing institutions, restrictions on importation of home test kits and equipment and the requirements to validate home test kits. The official document also touched on the respective penalties.
Health
Newest COVID-19 variant detected in Belize
On Tuesday, July 12th, the Ministry of Health, and Wellness confirmed the presence of the latest subvariant of the deadly COVID-19, Omicron BA.5, in Belize. The ministry confirmed this after the results of 40 samples dated between June 1st to the 28th tested with the Omicron variant. The report's breakdown shows that 39 samples were positive for the BA.2 subvariant, and one sample tested positive for BA.5, the latest strain of this toxic disease.
Health
Acute Psychiatric Unit Reopens at Western Regional Hospital
The Ministry of Health & Wellness is pleased to announce the reopening of the Acute Psychiatric Unit, which was closed due to multiple challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community and Society
Health and Care Day held in San Pedro
On Friday, June 17th, the San Pedro Chapter of the Belize Red Cross, with support from the San Pedro Lions Club and in collaboration with the San Pedro Town Council, hosted a community health and care day at Central Park. Despite the inclement weather, the fair saw a good turnout, and those who came out learned more about the health services offered by the different agencies participating.
Health
Statement from the Caribbean Immunization Technical Advisory Group (CITAG) on the stark decline in childhood immunization rates, worsened by the effects of the COVID-19...
The Caribbean Immunization Technical Advisory Group (CITAG) wishes to alert Caribbean Ministers of Health and Chief Medical Officers that routine childhood vaccination coverage in Caribbean countries has fallen significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In some countries as many as 3 out of 10 infants are not fully vaccinated putting them at risk of measles, polio and other diseases eliminated in the Americas that continue to circulate in other areas of the world.
Health
Second Annual Stakeholders’ Recognition Award Ceremony
On June 2, 2022, the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government hosted its annual Stakeholder’s Recognition Award Ceremony. The ceremony recognizes stakeholders for their significant contributions to the ministry's mission of serving the Belizean people. Their collaboration has a substantial impact on the successful implementation of the ministry's programs and projects.