Health
MOHW Addresses Concerns Over Prescription Requirement for Contraceptives
The controversy over prescriptions required to obtain contraceptives has sparked opposition across the country. The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) stated that such regulations have long been in place but have not been consistently enforced, and that the government is now working to regularize nationwide medication distribution. This means that, in addition to contraceptives, other medications previously available over the counter will soon require a doctor’s prescription.
Community and Society
Lotus Program Highlights Mental Health as Belize Marks World Health Day
The Belize Police Department, including the San Pedro division, has established procedures to help officers manage the stress from graphic and violent crimes. At the core of these efforts is the Lotus Program, a peer-support mental health initiative aimed at addressing trauma caused by daily exposure to incidents like homicides, assaults, and other violent offenses.
Health
Health Officials Warn of Measles Risk and Rising Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) is urging the public to remain vigilant as the country monitors two growing health concerns: a rapidly expanding measles outbreak across the Americas and an increase in mosquito-borne diseases in the region. Health officials are reminding residents that prevention, early action, and community cooperation remain critical to protecting public health.
Community and Society
Letter to the Editor: Thank You to Community for Mar 7 Blood Drive Success
Dear Editor, The San Pedro Community Blood Drive Group wishes to thank all those who came to donate blood at the blood drive held on March 7, 2026 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, 21 pints of life-saving blood were generously donated.
Government
Concerns grow over potential loss of Cuban medical staff in Belize
While some CARICOM member states, including Jamaica, have ended their medical cooperation agreements with Cuba, Belize has yet to decide on the future of the Cuban Medical Brigade currently serving in the country. According to the Ministry of Health and Wellness, there are 94 Cuban medical personnel in Belize, and ending their service could significantly impact the national healthcare system.
Community and Society
San Pedro SDA Churches host ‘Communion in Action’ Health Fair
The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) churches in San Pedro hosted a Community Health Fair on Saturday, March 21st, at Central Park, bringing together residents for a morning focused on health, wellness, and community outreach. The event, held from 9AM to 1PM, was organized by three local congregations, Central Adventist Church, New Horizon, and God is Truth, in observance of Global Youth Day 2026 under the theme “Communion in Action.”
Community and Society
Blood drive boosts emergency supply on Ambergris Caye
The San Pedro Community Blood Donors Group hosted a blood drive on Saturday, March 7th, at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez Polyclinic II in San Pedro Town. The event ran from 9AM to 3PM, attracting residents who came out to donate and support the island’s blood supply. By the end of the drive, close to 25 pints of blood had been collected.
Health
San Pedro’s Annual Free Smile Clinic Marks 20 Years of Service
The 2025 annual Free Smile Clinic brought 47 dental volunteers, including oral surgeons and experienced dentists, to San Pedro Town from March 2nd to 5th. The clinic operated Monday through Thursday from 8AM to 3PM, providing services to children from Holy Cross Anglican School and the wider community at the school campus. At the same time, adults received treatment at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. This year marked their 20th anniversary, which offered screenings for tooth decay, dental care education, fluoride treatments, cleanings, fillings, and extractions at no cost.
Health
Cases of Tuberculosis Confirmed in Belize City
On Wednesday, February 18th, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) announced two confirmed cases of tuberculosis (TB) in students aged 10 and 16 in Belize City. The MOHW said the diagnoses were confirmed on February 12th through clinical and laboratory testing. Later that same day, the Government of Belize, via its weekly Cabinet briefing, confirmed an additional case. All patients had undergone treatment and were responding well.
Health
Two Imported Malaria Cases Detected in Southern Belize
While Belize continues to maintain its malaria-free status granted by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) confirmed two malaria cases in the Toledo District on February 17th. The infections are considered imported cases because they were acquired outside Belize.
Health
PAHO Calls for Stronger Cervical Cancer Prevention on World Cancer Day
February 4th marked World Cancer Day, and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is calling for accelerated action to prevent cervical cancer across the Americas, including Belize, where the disease remains a major health threat to women. PAHO is urging countries to strengthen vaccination, screening, and treatment efforts to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030.