Health
Belize Strengthens Response to High Blood Pressure
The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Executive Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic (SE-COMISCA/SICA), launched a nationwide study on October 2, 2025, to evaluate the implementation of the HEARTS Hypertension Clinical Pathway across Belize. Conducted in public primary care facilities, the study aims to assess healthcare provider experiences, identify operational challenges, and explore opportunities to improve hypertension management and the broader response to noncommunicable diseases.
Health
Nationwide Breast Cancer Awareness Month Kicks Off in Belize City
The Belize Cancer Society (BCS) officially launched Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025 on October 1st with a flag-raising ceremony at the Flag Monument near the Pallotti Overpass in Belize City. The event marked the start of “Pinktober,” a month dedicated to raising awareness, education, and support in the fight against breast cancer in Belize. The ceremony featured members of the Belize Girl Guides Association and the Scout Association of Belize, who raised pink flags symbolizing strength and unity in the battle against the disease.
Health
San Pedro Lions Club observes Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is observed every September to raise awareness and support children and families affected by the disease. Throughout the month, the San Pedro Lions Club led an awareness campaign, which culminated on Tuesday, September 30, with a visit to the San Pedro Roman Catholic Primary School. There, members distributed gold ribbons, the universal symbol of childhood cancer awareness, to students and staff.
Community and Society
Negligence in Kaleel Nah’s Death Could Carry Heavy Consequences
It has been three weeks since the death of two-year-old Kaleel Nah. The toddler had been ill for days before he died on September 3, 2025, while en route to medical care in Belize City on a water taxi. At the time, his death was believed to be caused by severe dehydration, but an autopsy revealed the cause was acute respiratory failure, with tests confirming he had been infected with swine flu. An investigation is underway to determine whether there was negligence on the part of staff at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II.
Health
Belize Recognized in PAHO Report as Measles Resurfaces in the Americas
The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has released its 2024 annual report, highlighting significant health progress across the Americas, with Belize recognised for its key public health achievements. At the same time, PAHO’s August 2025 update has raised concern over a resurgence of measles outbreaks now affecting ten countries in the region, including Belize.
Health
No Updates on toddler Kaleel Nah’s Cause of Death; Family Still Waiting for Answers
The sudden death of two-year-old Kaleel Nah continues to raise concerns about medical services in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The child passed away while being transported to Belize City aboard a water taxi on September 3rd. He had reportedly been ill since August 30 with fever, cough, and vomiting. According to reports, he may have died from severe dehydration.
Health
Letter to the Editor: Special Thanks for a Successful August 2 Blood Drive
The San Pedro Community Blood Drive Group wish to thank all those who came to donate blood at the blood drive held August 2 at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. Almost 40 members of the Ambergris Caye community came to donate. At the end of the day, 18 pints of life-saving blood were generously donated.
Health
Health Officials Warn Residents to Take Precautions This Mosquito Season
With the rainy season in full swing, Ambergris Caye faces increased mosquito infestations and the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), working with the Public Health team, has begun fogging operations across the island to address the issue. A weekly schedule has been organized to notify residents of fogging days in their respective areas. The strategy uses service machines to target mosquito larvae and reduce the spread of diseases such as dengue.
