Government
Belize Ends 36-Year Cuban Medical Brigade Agreement, Offers Individual Contracts
The Government of Belize announced on October 31 that Belize and Cuba will not renew their longstanding Cuban Medical Brigade agreement, ending the 36-year arrangement. Instead, the Ministry of Health and Wellness will offer individual employment contracts to Cuban doctors and other health professionals currently serving in the country.
Health
Belize Confirms 19 Measles Cases as Health Officials Urge Vaccination
San Pedro’s steady flow of international visitors makes measles prevention especially relevant for the island’s tourism workforce. With hotel staff, tour guides, restaurant employees, and transportation workers interacting with travelers daily, local physician Dr. Javier Zuniga is emphasizing the importance of vaccination after confirming 19 measles cases in Belize this year. None have been reported on Ambergris Caye.
Community and Society
San Pedro Walks for Breast Cancer Awareness
Residents of all ages gathered at Central Park on Friday, October 30th, for the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk through downtown San Pedro. Participants included representatives from the San Pedro Lions Club, Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, the island’s Health Department, the San Pedro Police Formation and the San Pedro Town Council, along with students and athletes.
Community and Society
San Pedro Youth Forum Addresses Tobacco and Alcohol Risks
Young people gathered at the San Pedro Lions Den on Wednesday, October 27th, for the San Pedro Tobacco and Alcohol Youth Forum, a collaboration between the National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC), the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). Held from 8:30AM to 3PM, the forum brought together students, health officials, educators, and social workers to discuss the risks associated with tobacco, vaping, and alcohol. The program combined health presentations with youth perspectives, advocacy discussions, and a session on alcohol dependence and recovery.
Health
Belize Mission Project Completes Second Free Dental Clinic of 2026
The Belize Mission Project (BMP) returned to San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, for its second visit of the year, providing free dental services at the San Pedro Lions Den from October 19 to 23rd. Local volunteers and island dentist Dr. Jorge Mauricio Pleitez joined the visiting team of dental professionals from the United States.
Government
NHI Celebrates 25 Years of Service in Belize
The National Health Insurance (NHI) program marked 25 years of service with a celebration in Belize City on October 15th. The event highlighted its growth from a pilot initiative launched in 2001 to serve communities on Belize City’s southside into a national program serving hundreds of thousands of registered members.
Government
Belize Reviews Options to Retain Cuban Medical Professionals
Belize’s Cuban Medical Brigade remains in place while discussions over its long-term future continue. Foreign Affairs Chief Executive Officer Oscar Arnold said negotiations between Belize and the United States were nearing a resolution. Meanwhile, Cuban healthcare professionals continue serving across the country, including at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II.
Health
Partners 4 Medical Relief Holds Free Surgical Screenings in San Pedro
Residents seeking specialized surgical care attended free screenings at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II on Friday, October 9th. Partners 4 Medical Relief collaborated with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Central Health Region, and Corozal District Health Services to identify patients who could benefit from corrective surgery. The screenings ran from 8AM to 3:30PM.
Health
Calls for Abortion Law Reform Renew Debate in Belize
Calls by the Belize Family Life Association (BFLA) to reform Belize’s abortion laws have renewed debate over reproductive healthcare, criminal penalties, and the protection of unborn life. Discussions intensified on September 30th, with advocates calling for decriminalization while church leaders and pro-life organizations voiced opposition to broader legal access.
Health
Free Corrective Surgery Screenings Set for October 9th
Children and adults who may require corrective surgery are encouraged to attend free screenings on Friday, October 9th, at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II and Corozal Polyclinic II, also known as Corozal Community Hospital.
Community and Society
Letter to the Editor: Thank you to San Pedro for a Successful Sept 5th Blood Drive
The San Pedro Community Blood Drive Group wishes to once again thank all those who came to donate blood at the blood drive held on September 5 at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. Twenty-nine members of the Ambergris Caye community came to donate. At the end of the day, 17 pints of life-saving blood were generously donated. Potentially, these 17 pints can save the lives of over 50 people.