Tag:
Ministry of Health and Wellness
Health
Belize joins WHO global medicine safety monitoring program
Belize has become a full member of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Program for International Drug Monitoring (PIDM), a milestone announced on July 27th with support from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The move gives Belize stronger tools to detect safety concerns in medicines and respond more effectively to risks posed by substandard or counterfeit medicines that may enter the country.
Community and Society
Authorities Begin Fogging Campaign to Prevent Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
With the rainy season underway, San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye has already experienced its first heavy showers, bringing increased mosquito activity. In response, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), in partnership with the Public Health Department, has begun a fogging campaign across the island's neighborhoods to help reduce mosquito populations and prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
Community and Society
Free Health Clinic Focuses on Diabetes Prevention and Early Detection
A community health clinic was held on Wednesday, June 3rd, from 9:30AM to 3PM at the Lion’s Den. The event brought together the San Pedro Lions Club, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and the San Pedro Town Council for a day of free medical services and public health education.
Government
Ministry of Health & Wellness and UNICEF Launch Belize’s National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030
The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), officially launched Belize’s first National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030, a transformative roadmap aimed at strengthening community-based healthcare and advancing equitable access to quality health services across Belize.
Government
San Pedro General Hospital Faces Delays and Rising Construction Costs, but Construction Presses Ahead
Construction of the San Pedro/Caye Caulker General Hospital, south of San Pedro Town, continues amid reports of projected cost overruns. Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez addressed the matter on Wednesday, May 27th, during a site tour showcasing the progress of the anticipated medical facility. While Perez confirmed that additional costs are being discussed, he stated that the projected overrun is nowhere near the reported $15 million. Although he could not provide an exact figure, Perez assured island residents that the state-of-the-art hospital, expected to become the second-largest medical facility in Belize, will be completed with a tentative opening date set for early 2027.
Health
MoHW Warns Public Following Rise in Measles Cases in Belize
Belize health authorities confirmed 12 measles cases on May 22nd, all linked to travel to Guatemala or exposure to travelers from that country. The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) reported that the outbreak affected patients aged 9 months to 54 years, with four distinct clusters identified, including two in Punta Gorda Town. Health officials are urging the public to remain vigilant, particularly unvaccinated persons living in or traveling to border communities.
Health
Parents’ consent required for HPV vaccinations in schools
Over the past several days, the topic of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has sparked debate between certain schools, particularly those under the Catholic Diocese, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), after concerns were raised about its administration in schools. Church officials have opposed administering vaccines on school compounds without parental involvement, instead supporting the position that parents should be the primary decision-makers regarding their children’s healthcare.
Health
Regional Health Officials Monitor Hantavirus Cases From Cruise Ship
Health authorities across the Caribbean, including Belize, are monitoring reports of a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship traveling through the Central Atlantic. The MV Hondius, carrying 147 passengers and crew members from more than 20 countries, reportedly recorded eight cases between April 6th and 28th, including three confirmed hantavirus infections, five suspected cases, and three deaths. Reported symptoms included fever, pneumonia, and respiratory distress.