AGP Executive Report

Violence & Care Access: Two men, including a 16-year-old, were shot in Pomona Village Tuesday night; police say the victims may not have been the intended targets and they were rushed to a medical facility, with conditions not yet released. Public Health Watch: PAHO is warning of measles risk ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing a fourfold rise in Americas cases and urging stronger surveillance, vaccination checks, and rapid response—Belize is named among countries with reported infections linked to outbreaks or importations. Livestock Health Security: Belize is stepping up New World screwworm preparedness after the parasite’s return in the region, with training for livestock producers on spotting signs, reporting suspected cases, and preventing spread. Community Health Support: Keller United Methodist Church ran a free eye clinic in Belize City, offering screenings, exams, and glasses to help people catch vision problems early. Healthy Food Policy: A regional webinar reviewed slow progress on non-communicable disease prevention, highlighting the need for faster action on healthy food policies across the Caribbean. Diplomacy & Health Links: The U.S. moves to tighten sanctions on Cuba-linked entities raises questions for Belize, where Cuban medical support and scholarships have long played a role.

Ebola Preparedness: Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness says it’s heightening public health vigilance at airports, land borders, and seaports after an Ebola outbreak in East and Central Africa, with screening and a hotline for travelers who develop symptoms. Measles Alert for World Cup: PAHO warns measles is rising across the Americas and globally, urging stronger surveillance, vaccination checks, and rapid response ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as travel increases risk. New World Screwworm Threat: Texas confirmed a New World screwworm case in cattle after decades, and Belize is responding with livestock training in Corozal to help producers spot signs early and report suspected cases to prevent spread. Local Eye Care Access: Keller United Methodist Church volunteers delivered free vision screenings, exams, and glasses in Belize City to improve early detection and access to eye health services. Health System Resilience: PAHO is supporting Belize’s Health National Adaptation Plan to make healthcare more climate-resilient, including safer facilities and better early warning for climate-sensitive health risks. Community Health Impact: Belmopan residents and medical professionals held a rally and candlelight vigil demanding justice after the murder of Dr. Naum Bonilla, a clinician who served communities through medical clinics.

Ebola Preparedness: Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness is heightening screening and response at airports, land borders, and seaports after an Ebola outbreak in East and Central Africa, with travelers urged to report recent travel and call 0-800-MOH-CARE if symptoms appear. Measles Alert for World Cup: PAHO warns that rising measles cases across the Americas plus increased travel could fuel spread during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging stronger surveillance, vaccination access, and rapid response—especially for people with unknown or incomplete immunization. New World Screwworm Defense: Belize is training livestock producers and animal health workers to spot, report, and prevent New World screwworm infestations, as the threat expands beyond past barriers; the push includes guidance on other livestock diseases like rabies and tick fever. Regional Health Planning: PAHO is supporting Belize’s Health National Adaptation Plan to make healthcare systems more climate-resilient, including safer facilities and early warning for climate-sensitive health risks. Community Eye Care: Keller United Methodist Church delivered free vision screenings, exams, and glasses in Belize City to improve access to essential eye health services. Cervical Cancer Focus: A new cervical cancer elimination compendium highlights vaccination and screening strategies, with Belize noted among Caribbean case studies presented.

Ebola Preparedness: Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has issued an advisory and is stepping up screening at airports, land borders, and seaports after an Ebola outbreak in East and Central Africa, with no suspected cases reported locally and a hotline for anyone with symptoms after travel. Measles Alert for World Cup: PAHO is warning of a measles surge across the Americas and urges countries—including Belize—to boost surveillance, vaccination access, and rapid response ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as unvaccinated people and travel-linked cases drive spread. Local Health System Resilience: PAHO is supporting Belize in advancing its Health National Adaptation Plan to make healthcare more climate-resilient, including safer facilities, stronger health worker capacity, and early warning for climate-sensitive diseases. Community Health & Prevention: Belize’s Drug Control Council is running a National Tobacco Youth Forum to curb smoking and vaping among young people, focusing on education and early intervention. Workforce Strain: Immigration officials say Belize is facing labor shortages across sectors, including manual and skilled roles, affecting areas like agriculture, tourism, and even healthcare construction. Public Health News in Motion: Belize City’s inflation report shows food and transport costs rising, adding pressure to household health and access to essentials. Health Community Grief: The murder of Dr. Naum Bonilla has sparked strong calls for justice from medical groups and the wider community.

Measles Alert for World Cup Travel: PAHO says measles cases are up sharply across the Americas and worldwide, warning that large events and international travel could fuel spread. It urges countries to tighten measles-rubella surveillance, boost vaccination coverage, and use active case-finding, with guidance for travelers who can’t prove full vaccination. Ebola Precaution in Belize: Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness is heightening screening at airports, land borders, and seaports after an Ebola outbreak in East and Central Africa, stressing the current risk is low but asking recent travelers with symptoms to call 0-800-MOH-CARE. Local Health System Planning: PAHO is supporting Belize’s Health National Adaptation Plan to make healthcare more climate-resilient, and the Ministry of Health launches its National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030. Community Care Expansion: A new Duck Run One polyclinic and hurricane shelter will bring emergency and primary services closer to about 6,000 residents in six rural communities. Medical Community Grieves Dr. Naum Bonilla: Belize’s medical groups and the Ministry of Health and Wellness condemn the murder of Belmopan doctor Naum Bonilla and call for a thorough investigation and justice.

Ebola Preparedness: Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness is stepping up screening at airports, land borders, and seaports after an Ebola outbreak in East and Central Africa, with no suspected cases reported locally and guidance for travelers to call 0-800-MOH-CARE if symptoms appear. Measles Alert: PAHO says measles cases are rising across the Americas as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, urging stronger surveillance, vaccination checks, and rapid response for mass gatherings. Community Health Push: The MOHW has launched its National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030 to expand community health workers, prevention, emergency preparedness, and access to care closer to home. Local Health System Costs: Construction of the new San Pedro General Hospital is facing delays and rising costs, while a new Duck Run One polyclinic and hurricane shelter is improving emergency and primary care for six rural communities. Public Health & Wellness: Belize’s Drug Control Council is targeting tobacco and vape use among youth, and Belizean athletes continue to build momentum in regional fitness competitions. Health in the News: Belize’s medical community mourns Dr. Naum Bonilla and demands justice after his murder in Belmopan. Cost of Living Pressure: SIB reports April inflation rose 2.9%, driven largely by higher transport and food prices.

Ebola Alert: Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness is stepping up screening at airports, land borders, and seaports after an Ebola outbreak in East and Central Africa, stressing the current risk is low but urging travelers with symptoms to call 0-800-MOH-CARE. Community Health Push: The MOHW has launched its National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030 to strengthen community health workers, prevention, early intervention, digital health, and emergency preparedness. Measles Watch for Mass Gatherings: Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, PAHO is urging stronger measles surveillance, vaccination checks, and rapid response to prevent outbreaks during international travel. Local Care Access: A new Duck Run One polyclinic and hurricane shelter will serve six rural communities, bringing emergency and primary care closer to about 6,000 residents. Health Workforce Strain: Belize is facing labor shortages affecting sectors including construction and tourism, with skilled gaps also hitting the medical field. Cost of Living Pressure: Inflation rose 2.9% in April, with transportation and food costs climbing—fuel prices and essentials are squeezing household budgets. Injury & Trauma: A serious bus collision in Corozal left coach Miriam Villamil with major injuries, including an amputation, while a separate shooting in Gardenia Village killed a teen and injured his cousin.

Ebola Preparedness: Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has issued an Ebola advisory and is stepping up screening at airports, land borders, and seaports, coordinating with immigration, customs, airlines, and cruise lines; the risk is said to be low, but travelers from affected areas are urged to self-isolate if symptomatic and call 0-800-MOH-CARE. Community Health Expansion: The MOHW launched its National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to strengthen community-based care through prevention, community health workers, training, digital health, and better emergency preparedness. Local Healthcare Access: A new Duck Run One polyclinic and hurricane shelter in Cayo is now serving six rural communities, bringing emergency and primary care closer to about 6,000 residents. Measles Vaccination Push: San Pedro clinic staff are running a measles (MMR) awareness campaign, encouraging residents to confirm vaccination coverage and get vaccinated if needed. Hospital Construction Watch: San Pedro’s first public general hospital is still moving forward, but reports say costs are rising beyond the original Taiwan-funded $33M, raising questions about who pays any difference. Health Workforce & Costs: Belize faces a growing manual labour shortage, while inflation rose 2.9% in April—fuel and food costs driving pressure on household budgets. Health & Safety in Sports: Corozal coach Miriam Villamil remains in critical condition after a bus crash; doctors have amputated her right leg above the knee, and the football community is seeking O+ blood donations.

Border Health Watch: Belize has tightened screening at airports, seaports, and border checkpoints after an Ebola advisory, with officials stressing the current risk is low and urging anyone with recent travel plus symptoms to call the MOH hotline. Community Health: The Ministry of Health and Wellness launched its National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to expand prevention, train community health workers, and strengthen emergency preparedness—especially for hard-to-reach groups. Climate-Ready Care: PAHO is helping Belize advance its Health National Adaptation Plan so the health system can better handle climate shocks, from early warning for climate-sensitive diseases to safer, more resilient facilities. Tobacco Prevention: The Drug Control Council held a National Tobacco Youth Forum targeting smoking and vaping risks, including secondhand smoke and nicotine addiction. Local Clinics & Vaccines: San Pedro’s polyclinic staff ran measles vaccination awareness outreach, while a new Duck Run One polyclinic and hurricane shelter will bring emergency and primary care closer to six rural communities. Healthcare Infrastructure Costs: San Pedro’s new public general hospital construction continues but is facing delays and rising costs beyond the original Taiwan-funded budget, raising questions about who pays the difference. Rising Living Costs: Inflation hit 2.9% in April, driven largely by higher transport fuel prices and food increases, adding pressure to household health and wellbeing.

Ebola Preparedness: Belize health authorities are stepping up screening at border checkpoints, airports, and seaports after an Ebola advisory, with no suspected cases reported locally; travelers from affected areas are told to watch for symptoms and call the MOHW hotline. Community Health: The Ministry of Health and Wellness has launched Belize’s National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to strengthen prevention and expand community health worker support, including training, outreach, and emergency preparedness. Measles Protection: San Pedro clinics are running measles vaccination awareness outreach, urging residents to confirm MMR coverage and get vaccinated if unsure. Hospital Watch: Construction of San Pedro’s new general hospital is moving ahead but facing delays and rising costs, with questions now focused on who covers budget overruns beyond Taiwan’s original grant. Inflation Pressure: SIB reports April inflation rose 2.9% year-on-year, driven by higher transport costs (fuel) and food increases. Serious Injury in Crash: Corozal-area coach Miriam Villamil suffered major injuries in a bus collision and is reported to have had an amputation; the football community is calling for O+ blood donations. Tobacco Prevention: The Drug Control Council held a youth forum to curb tobacco and vape use, focusing on education and early intervention. Sex Offences Support: A high-level meeting in Belmopan brought together judiciary, police, healthcare, and social services to improve understanding of sexual offences and strengthen survivor support systems.

Ebola Preparedness: Belize health authorities are tightening screening at borders, airports, and seaports after an Ebola advisory, saying there are no suspected cases locally but urging travelers from affected areas to call the MOH hotline if symptoms appear. Community Health Push: The Ministry of Health and Wellness launched its National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to strengthen prevention and expand community health worker support, training, and emergency readiness. Local Healthcare Access: A new Duck Run One polyclinic and hurricane shelter is now serving six rural communities in Cayo, bringing emergency and primary care closer to home. Inflation & Health Costs: SIB reports April inflation rose 2.9% year-on-year, driven by higher transport fuel prices and food costs—pressures that can hit household health and nutrition. Major Injury Update: Corozal coach Miriam Villamil remains in serious condition after a bus crash; doctors later amputated her right leg above the knee, and the football community is rallying for O+ blood donations. Measles Prevention: San Pedro clinic staff are running a measles vaccination awareness drive, encouraging residents to check MMR coverage and get vaccinated if unsure. Emergency Response Upgrade: Three new ambulances were handed over to Punta Gorda Community Hospital, Placencia Polyclinic, and San Ignacio Community Hospital to improve patient transfers.

Ebola Preparedness: Belize health authorities are stepping up screening at airports, seaports, and border checkpoints after an Ebola advisory, with no suspected cases reported; travelers from affected areas are told to avoid close contact and call the MOH hotline if symptoms appear. Community Health Push: The Ministry of Health and Wellness has launched its National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to strengthen prevention, community health workers, digital health, emergency readiness, and access for vulnerable groups. Local Care Expansion: A new Duck Run One polyclinic and hurricane shelter is now serving six rural communities in Cayo, bringing emergency and primary care closer to home. Emergency Response Upgrades: Three new ambulances were handed over for Punta Gorda Community Hospital, Placencia Polyclinic, and San Ignacio Community Hospital, boosting inter-facility transfers. Measles Vaccination Drive: San Pedro clinic staff are running public outreach to encourage MMR vaccination and answer questions about coverage and safety. Tobacco Prevention for Youth: The Drug Control Council held a National Tobacco Youth Forum to curb smoking, vaping, and secondhand smoke among young people. Healthcare Workforce Reality: Labour officials say Belize is facing a growing shortage of manual and skilled workers, including in the medical field, as employers increasingly rely on imported labour. Regional Health Meeting: Belize City will host a major Caribbean healthcare conference for pharmacists and other professionals focused on patient outcomes and medical education.

Community Health: Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has launched its National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to strengthen prevention and early intervention through expanded community health workers, better training, digital health, and improved emergency preparedness—especially for vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups. Emergency Care: The ministry also handed over three new Toyota ambulances to Punta Gorda Community Hospital, Placencia Polyclinic, and San Ignacio Community Hospital to boost emergency response and inter-facility transfers. Vaccination Drive: San Pedro clinic staff are running a measles (MMR) awareness push, urging residents to check coverage and get vaccinated if unsure. Regional Health Meeting: Belize City will host a major Caribbean healthcare conference for pharmacists and other professionals, focused on patient outcomes and ongoing medical education. Costs & Access: Construction of the San Pedro General Hospital is moving forward but facing delays and rising costs beyond the original Taiwan grant, raising questions on who pays the difference. Workforce Pressure: Belize is seeing a growing labour shortage, hitting construction and other sectors, with officials noting demand for both manual and skilled workers. Inflation Watch: April inflation rose to 2.9% year-on-year, driven largely by higher transport costs and fuel prices.

Community Health: The Ministry of Health and Wellness, with UNICEF, launched Belize’s National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to strengthen prevention and expand community health worker support, training, digital health, and emergency preparedness. Emergency Care Boost: New Toyota ambulances were handed over for Punta Gorda Community Hospital, Placencia Polyclinic, and San Ignacio Community Hospital to improve emergency response and inter-facility transfers. Measles Focus in San Pedro: Clinic staff ran a public measles vaccination awareness push, urging residents to check coverage and get MMR if unsure. Hospital Construction Watch: San Pedro’s new general hospital is moving forward but facing delays and rising costs beyond Taiwan’s original $33M grant, raising questions about who pays the difference. Inflation & Costs: April inflation rose to 2.9% as transport costs jumped, driven by higher diesel and gasoline prices. Workforce Pressure: Belize is seeing a growing shortage of manual workers affecting construction, agriculture, services, and tourism. Regional Health Event: Belize City will host a major Caribbean healthcare conference for pharmacists and medical professionals May 29–31. Sex Offences Response: Officials met to strengthen understanding of sexual offences laws and improve survivor support systems.

Community Health: The Ministry of Health and Wellness, with UNICEF, launched Belize’s National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to strengthen prevention and early intervention through expanded and trained community health workers, better emergency preparedness, digital health systems, and support for vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups. Emergency Care: New Toyota ambulances were handed over to Punta Gorda Community Hospital, Placencia Polyclinic, and San Ignacio Community Hospital to improve emergency response and inter-facility transfers. Measles Focus: San Pedro clinic staff ran a public education push on measles and MMR vaccination, encouraging residents to check coverage and get vaccinated if unsure. Health Workforce & Costs: Belize is facing a growing shortage of manual and skilled workers, affecting construction and tourism, while inflation rose to 2.9% in April as transport costs jumped 8% and fuel, food, and electricity prices climbed. Sexual Offences Response: Officials met to strengthen understanding of sexual offences laws and improve support systems for survivors, bringing together judiciary, police, health, social services, and advocacy groups. Regional Healthcare Event: Belize City will host a major Caribbean pharmacists’ conference May 29–31 on transforming healthcare for better patient outcomes. San Pedro Hospital Update: Construction of the new San Pedro General Hospital continues amid delays and rising costs, with questions now focused on who will cover overruns beyond the original Taiwan grant. Agriculture Support: The Ministry of Agriculture is distributing fertilizer, fruit trees, and planting materials in southern districts to boost food production, and is also pushing plans to revive the citrus industry.

San Pedro Hospital Funding Pressure: Belize Rural South Area Rep Andre Perez says the new San Pedro General Hospital is still moving forward, but rising construction costs mean the Taiwan-backed BZ$33M grant may not cover the full completion price, with the remaining amount to be determined after meetings with the Taiwanese government. Measles Protection Push: At the Dr. Otto Rodriguez Polyclinic in San Pedro, staff ran a public education drive on measles and MMR vaccination—encouraging anyone unsure of their status to get vaccinated. Emergency Care Boost: The Ministry of Health and Wellness handed over three new ambulances to Punta Gorda, Placencia, and San Ignacio facilities to strengthen emergency response and inter-facility transfers. BDF Medical Upgrade: Tonic Life donated an ambulance plus X-ray equipment and an AED to the Belize Defence Force to improve emergency readiness and diagnostics. Road Safety & Health: Transport launched helmet safety standards training with police support, as motorcycle fatalities highlight the need for stronger rider protection. Community Health Learning: The National Council on Ageing held an Alzheimer’s seminar in Belmopan, featuring expert guidance for dementia care and caregiver support.