Health
Belize on Alert Following Measles Outbreak in Neighbouring Guatemala
Belize is on alert and urging the public to review their vaccination status following confirmed measles cases in neighbouring Guatemala. According to the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), more than a dozen measles cases have been confirmed in Guatemalan departments bordering Belize, including Petén and Izabal.
Health
Drug use disorders a growing public health concern in the Americas, PAHO study finds
Drug use disorders are a major and growing public health problem in the Americas. Drug use is among the top 10 risk factors contributing to all-cause mortality and disability in the Region, according to findings published in the Pan American Journal of Public Health.
Community and Society
Belize Mission Project Returns to San Pedro for Annual Dental Clinics
From January 12th to 16th, a team of dentists from the United States, part of the Belize Mission Project (BMP), returned to San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, to provide free dental services to the community. The visiting team, joined by local volunteers and specialists, held clinics for hundreds of island residents at the San Pedro Lions Den.
Health
Island Care Targets Flu Prevention with Free Vaccine Initiative
Island Care Medical Center in San Pedro held its inaugural free vaccination clinic on January 10, 2026, in the San Pablo area. The walk-in event ran from 9AM to noon. It offered free Prevnar 13 vaccines to help prevent pneumococcal diseases such as meningitis, pneumonia, and otitis media, along with influenza vaccines to reduce the risk of serious flu-related complications.
Health
BCVI Continues Eye Care Outreach with First 2026 Clinic in San Pedro
The Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI) held its first monthly free eye checkup outreach of 2026 on January 7th and 8th at the Lions Den in San Pedro. The clinic operated from 9AM to 4PM on Wednesday and from 9AM to 2PM on Thursday. Led by optometrist Dr. Nesani Glori and optical assistant Elia Slusher, a 24-year BCVI veteran, the outreach provided comprehensive screenings, including visual acuity testing and referrals for conditions such as cataracts and diabetes-related eye complications.
Health
PAHO’s progress in 2025: Protecting health for all
Throughout 2025, PAHO supported the countries of the Americas in responding to emergencies, eliminating diseases, and advancing health self-reliance. The year was marked by significant challenges, but also by encouraging results made possible through regional cooperation and the commitment of Member States and partners.
Health
PAHO warns of growing pertussis threat amid regional vaccination gaps
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) renewed its urgent call on December 9, 2025, for countries in the Americas to close whooping cough vaccination gaps amid a sharp resurgence of the disease, also known as pertussis. The appeal followed PAHO’s latest epidemiological update, which shows that cases have been rising steadily across the region since 2023. Reported pertussis cases climbed from a low of 3,284 in 2022 to 11,202 in 2023 and 66,184 in 2024, with ten countries recording increases through November 2025.
Health
World AIDS Day testing event held in San Pedro Town
On Thursday, December 4th, the Dr Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II hosted a World AIDS Day testing event offering free testing for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The activity formed part of a national awareness effort that began on December 1st, World AIDS Day, and included a health fair that educated islanders on healthy lifestyles, the importance of knowing their HIV status, and ways to prevent the spread of a disease that continues to affect thousands of Belizeans.
Government
MoHW Holds Inaugural Meeting of National NCD Committee
The Ministry of Health and Wellness hosted the inaugural meeting of the National Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Committee earlier this week, marking a major milestone in the country’s commitment to reducing the burden of NCDs and improving the health and well-being of all citizens. The meeting brought together representatives from a wide range of sectors and stakeholder groups dedicated to strengthening the national NCD response.
Health
Seasonal Flu Vaccine Available at Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II
December has brought cooler weather and a rise in flu cases. Health officials say that flu activity is higher than normal for this time of year and urge people to protect themselves and their families. In San Pedro Town, residents are reminded that the seasonal flu vaccine is available at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II.
Health
San Pedro Lions Club leads 5K Diabetes Glow Run/Walk
The San Pedro Lions Club, in partnership with the 501 Run Club and the San Pedro Town Council, held a 5K Glow Run/Walk on November 28th to increase awareness about diabetes. The event, which commemorated this year’s World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14th, was postponed earlier in the month due to inclement weather.
