Health
World Diabetes Day Awareness Walk Scheduled in San Pedro
Island residents are gearing up to participate in a special event on Friday, November 14, 2025, to mark World Diabetes Day. For the first time, the People’s Diabetes Foundation (PDF) will bring its Diabetes Awareness Walk and Health Fair to the island, inviting residents and visitors to join in promoting better health and awareness. The walk begins at 9AM, followed by a health fair from 9AM to 1PM at Boca del Rio Park, where attendees can take advantage of free health screenings and informational booths. The event aims to shed light on diabetes prevention, education, and community support for individuals living with or at risk of the disease.
Health
Health Officials Monitor Rise in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Cases
Health authorities are reporting an increase in cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) across Belize, particularly among children under five years old. Clinics on both the mainland and islands have confirmed numerous infections, prompting advisories from medical professionals.
Government
Government tables Tobacco Control Bill
At the last sitting of the House of Representatives on Friday, October 17th, the Minister of Health and Wellness (MOHW), Honourable Kevin Bernard, introduced an ambitious Tobacco Control Bill. The legislation aims to reduce the risk of illness and death caused by smoking while preventing children from using tobacco products. The bill also seeks to align Belize’s national policies with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Health
Free Medical Mission to Provide Surgery Screenings in San Pedro
A major medical mission is scheduled for San Pedro Town, offering free surgical screenings for various health concerns. The event will be held at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II on Friday, October 24th, from 8AM to 3PM. It brings together the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) and Partners for Medical Relief for a one-day outreach to improve access to surgical care for island residents.
Health
The Back Bone of Belize / La Columna Vertebral de Belice
Regular voluntary donors form the backbone of our healthcare system. When you donate blood, you're not just filling a medical need—you’re giving someone’s loved one another chance at better health and wellbeing. Behind every pint needed is a real person with a name, a story, and people who love them.
Education
San Pedro Lions promote mental health awareness at SPHS
On World Mental Health Day, observed on Friday, October 10th, the San Pedro Lions Club hosted an informative program at the San Pedro High School (SPHS) focused on mental health awareness. The event featured motivational speeches and a personal testimony, reminding students that they are not alone in their struggles and encouraging them to seek support. The message emphasized that asking for help is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness.
Health
Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Belize: Medical Insight Highlighted
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The San Pedro Sun continues its commitment to promoting public health education by sharing vital information to increase awareness and encourage early detection. October serves as a reminder nationwide of the importance of understanding breast cancer, its risks, and available treatment options. This feature includes insight from Dr. Josselin Blanco, General Practitioner at Ambergris Hope Hospital, who emphasizes the importance of regular screening and informed awareness in saving lives.
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.
