Belize reaffirms commitment to saving lives and driving health for all at World Health Assembly

Published by BBNTEAM at May 24, 2023

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Posted: Wednesday, May 24, 2023. 9:27 am CST.

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: During the 76^th World Health Assembly (WHA) being held in Geneva, Belize’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Kevin Bernard reaffirmed Belize’s commitment to saving lives and driving health for all.

“Belize has made great strides over the last year as we move forward towards the certification of being malaria free, and toward achieving the elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV and Syphilis. Both areas are in the process of certification by WHO and these achievements have resulted from the hard work and dedication of our staff,” Bernard said in his address.

“Belize has worked tirelessly to improve nutrition in schools at all levels. With strong political will, and working with partners, our nutrition policy has been launched. This incorporates promoting healthy foods in school, along with a ban on sugary sweeteners beverages at all levels of education. Belize has also signed on to the HEARTS initiative to ensure better management of NCDS,” he added.

In addition, Belize’s health care workers are better equipped to identify and manage mental health illnesses, through widespread Mh-Gap training expanding to all cadre of health staff and including Police Officers.

Minister Bernard also indicated that climate change and its effects have significantly affected our region, with Belize still feeling the effects of Hurricane Lisa which occurred Nov 2022.

“Building resilient and SMART facilities for a sustainable health system remains one of our priorities. Over the last two years, many of our health infrastructures have been upgraded, this solidifies our commitment to a stronger, sustainable health system,” Bernard reiterated.

Bernard says that Belize remains committed to continue to work with partners like PAHO, to continue to improve, expand, educate, launch and to continue to work toward better access to care for our people with the aim of Achieving Universal Health Coverage for Belize.

Bernard says that Belize further called on all member states to prioritize health as a fundamental human right and to work together to build a healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable world.

Belize also reiterated its unequivocal support to Taiwan involvement in all World Health Organization (WHO) events.

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