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.
Health
New World Screwworm Cases Detected in Humans in Belize
The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) has confirmed the first human cases of New World Screwworm infection in Belize. The first case was confirmed on August 18th, followed by a second case the next day. Both patients are from the Cayo District.
Health
MoHW Confirms First Human Case of New World Screwworm in Belize
The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) informs the public that the first confirmed human case of New World Screwworm (NWS) since its re-emergence in Belize in December 2024 has been detected.
Health
Ten countries in the Americas report measles outbreaks in 2025
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is urging countries in the Americas to strengthen immunization activities, enhance disease surveillance and rapid response interventions, as measles cases continue to rise in the region. As of 8 August 2025, a total of 10,139 confirmed measles cases and 18 related deaths have been reported across ten countries, representing a 34-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Health
August Blood Drive Yields 18 Pints
On Saturday, August 2nd, the San Pedro Community Blood Drive Group held a successful blood drive at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, collecting 18 pints of blood. The local blood drive group organizes regular drives to help build the supply at the national blood bank. Saturday’s event, held from 8AM to 2:30PM, saw many prospective donors making their way to the polyclinic to be screened for eligibility.
