fbpx
Cuban fugitive accused of gold heist sent to U.S.
May 8, 2014
Maurice Tomlinson wins leave to challenge immigration laws
May 8, 2014

Healthy Caribbean Coalition visits Belize

Trevor Hassell

Posted: Thursday, May 8, 2014. 10:57 pm CST.

 

 

Trevor Hassell

Trevor Hassell

Thursday, May 8, 2014. AARON HUMES Reporting: On Wednesday night the top two officials from the Healthy Caribbean Coalition began a two day working visit to Belize.

The organization serves as a link between non-governmental organizations and individuals promoting issues of non-communicable diseases and especially cancer.

Adjunct Professor of medicine at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill, Barbados, Sir Trevor Hassell, is the President of the Coalition and told us that Belize’s Cancer Society, the local affiliate, has been recognized for its work in bringing awareness to the issue of cervical cancer among women.

With funding procured for it from the Australian High Commission Aid Development Office, 600 pap smear tests have been administered to women across the country, many of whom had never been tested before and knew nothing about cervical cancer.

Professor Hassell added that it is not only important for individuals to live healthy lifestyles – avoiding foods high in sugar, fat, salt and so on and not drinking, smoking or practicing other harmful behaviours – but for there to be an enabling environment in the country for this to happen.

Maisha Hutton

Maisha Hutton

At an opening reception held at the Belize City office of the Cancer Society, Sir Trevor and the Coalition’s manager, Maisha Hutton, met with a number of local health professionals and field workers and provided examples of how NGO’s charged with promoting responsible and healthy lifestyles can work with each other on common issues.

One example is the regional e-petition against cervical cancer, which has amassed 10,000 signatures to be presented to regional leaders later this year.

But thanks to the work of the local Cancer Society, Belize is leading the way for its fellow CARICOM countries, having amassed 2,993 signatures, 700 more than nearest rival Cayman Islands and more than double that of Jamaica, Barbados or Trinidad and Tobago.

The Coalition says it is seeking partnerships with similar associations like the Diabetes Association to participate in future initiatives like next year’s Heart Association seminar on hypertension, a campaign against smoking in public areas.

It also coordinates use of resources and some funding for these organizations.

To add your name to the cervical cancer petition, visit www.endcervicalcancernow.org.

 

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-601-0315.

 

© 2014, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.

Comments

  • Galen University
  • Belmopan Aggregates
  • larry waight
  • Belmopan Aggregates
  • cahal pech village resort
  • Galen University
  • Shindaiwa
  • Belmopan Aggregates