Government
Dr. Marvin Manzanero placed on administrative leave
Dr. Marvin Manzanero, the Director of Health Services (DHS) has been sent home on administrative leave via a letter from the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) accusing him of misconduct. The San Pedro Sun confirmed this incident, which comes just days after the doctor returned to work at the MOHW where he learned he no longer had an office.
Health
Only a handful of COVID-19 cases on Ambergris Caye; numbers dropping countrywide
It has been close to a year when the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed on Ambergris Caye. At times, the island was one of the deadly virus's epicentre with hundreds of positive cases triggering two lockdowns. The current situation with the disease is different, and according to reliable reports from medical personnel on the island, San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye is down to five active cases of COVID-19. The number of positive cases across the country has significantly decreased, with only 154 active infections as of Monday, February 22nd.
Government
Dr. Marvin Manzanero’s future in the Ministry of Health and Wellness remains uncertain
The contentious position for Director of Health Services (DHS) in the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) continues to be a hot topic after the current holder of such post, Dr. Marvin Manzanero, has allegedly been ousted from his office. Acting DHS Dr. Melissa Musa-Diaz, who now manages the office, received an unexpected endorsement from the Belize Medical and Dental Association (BMDA).
Community and Society
District Health Educators to receive laptops and projectors to properly facilitate the training of Community Health Workers during COVID-19
Last year, the European Union (EU) and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) reallocated funds from the existing ‘Health Sector Support Programme Belize Project’ to assist in the country’s response to COVID-19. Through this funding, nine (9) District Health Educators from the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) will receive laptops with cases and eight (8) projectors to strengthen the ability to train health workers at the community level.
Government
Dr. Giovanni Solorzano takes the reins of the National AIDS Commission
San Pedro’s very own Dr. Giovanni Solorzano is the new Chairperson of the National AIDS Commission (NAC) and Country Coordinating Mechanism. The Office of the Prime Minister appointed Dr. Solorzano, replacing the previous Chairperson, Laura Tucker-Longsworth.
Health
Blood Drive scheduled for Wednesday, February 10th to collect convalescent plasma from COVID-19 recovered patients
Convalescent plasma, can help those currently hospitalized with COVID-19. On Wednesday, February 10th, there will be a drive to collect this valuable fluid at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro PolyClinic II
Health
UNHCR Donates Medical Equipment, PPEs in Response to COVID-19 in Belize
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, donated medical and personal protective equipment to the Valley of Peace community isolation facility as part of the continued efforts to support the government in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in Belize. With 20 divider panels, 20 bed sheets and covers, 20 pillows and covers, blankets, towels, hand soaps, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies UNHCR hopes to enhance access to health services, ensure essential and medical care for pre-existing conditions and reduce the risk among frontline health workers.
Community and Society
Baby Shark Lends a Fin to Combat COVID-19
SmartStudy, the global entertainment company behind the beloved children’s brand, Pinkfong, is joining the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on a new public campaign to encourage small children and their parents to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 by washing their hands often.