Health
First-ever international HIV symposium held in Belize
For the first time in Belize and the region, the International AIDS Society Educational Fund symposium was held in the country on April 29th, highlighting the need for a more coordinated response to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The event brought together health leaders from across the country to address gaps in the national response to a disease that is now better managed with modern medicine.
Government
Belize and Mexico Strengthen Cross-Border Cooperation
Health authorities from Belize and Mexico came together for a Binational Vaccination Week in the Americas ceremony on April 29, 2026, reaffirming their shared commitment to protecting communities, especially those along shared borders, through expanded immunization coverage and strengthened public health cooperation.
Community and Society
Belize Moves to Strengthen Health Safety Measures Across Tourism Sector
From April 13th to 15th, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), in collaboration with Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), conducted a series of activities to strengthen early warning surveillance systems and promote safer tourism practices. A five-member CARPHA team, led by Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar, delivered advanced training in food safety, visitor-based and mass-gathering surveillance, and multisectoral partnerships in Belize City.
Government
Government introduces incentives to retain public health nurses
The Government of Belize has introduced a retention package for public health nurses, including those at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, to curb the outflow of skilled workers. Approved by Cabinet and set to be implemented in phases, starting in the 2025/2026 budget cycle, the initiative provides financial incentives and benefits for nurses across the country.
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.