AGP Executive Report

Heart Care Access: Gift of Life Belize says three Belizean children with congenital heart defects were identified through free screening clinics, with one already traveling to the U.S. for surgery and two others preparing for lifesaving care abroad. Community Wellness: Belize Police held a Police Week Open Day at Raccoon Street Police Station, spotlighting support for officers and families across physical, emotional, financial, and professional well-being. Climate-Smart Farming: The Sustainable Livestock Project wrapped its Phase Two training for 50 cattle farmers in rotational grazing and other sustainability practices, aiming to boost productivity while protecting natural resources. Oral Health Outreach: A Belize dental mission on Ambergris Caye continues free fillings, extractions, and school-based brushing education for thousands of children since 2013. Public Health & Policy: Opposition is pressing for details on Belize’s NHI primary care provider contracts and reimbursement schedules via Freedom of Information requests. Regional Health Goal: CARICOM and PAHO discussed scaling up mother-to-child transmission prevention and treatment for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. Safety & Justice: A Belize court ordered compensation instead of jail in a fatal Sandhill crash case, requiring monthly payments to the victim’s mother. Conservation & Environment: Oceana Belize marked World Crocodile Day by highlighting crocodiles as indicators of healthy mangroves and clean water.

Heart Care Access: Gift of Life Belize says three Belizean children with congenital heart defects have been identified through free screening clinics, with one already in the U.S. for surgery and two more preparing for lifesaving procedures not available locally. Community Wellness: Belize Police Week’s Open Day at Raccoon Street highlighted support for officers and families, with services covering physical, emotional, financial, and professional well-being. Climate-Smart Farming & Health: In Orange Walk, PSCPA and UNDP-backed partners launched Belize’s first farmer-led bio factory to produce eco-friendly fertilizers, aiming to cut imported input costs and improve soil health amid climate pressures and disease threats. Sustainable Livestock: The Sustainable Livestock Project wrapped its western farmer training cohort in Belmopan, teaching rotational grazing and other practices to protect natural resources while boosting cattle productivity. Dental Outreach: A Belize-based dental mission on Ambergris Caye continues free fillings, extractions, and school oral health education, reaching hundreds of patients and thousands of kids. Public Health Progress: CARICOM and PAHO discussed scaling up mother-to-child prevention and treatment for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B to support validation gains across the region. Injury & Care: A fatal Sandhill crash case ended with court-ordered compensation instead of jail for the driver, with the victim’s family receiving monthly payments. Local Health Coverage Gap: Opposition is pressing for more detail on NHI primary care provider contracts and reimbursement rates via Freedom of Information requests.

Police Week Wellness Push: Belize Police held an Open Day at Raccoon Street Station, spotlighting support for officers and families, including physical, emotional, financial and professional safety resources. Public Health & Care Access: A Belize dental mission model is expanding impact—since 2013, visiting dentists and students have delivered free fillings and extractions on Ambergris Caye while also teaching kids oral hygiene. Maternal & Child Health (Regional): CARICOM and PAHO are driving efforts to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, focusing on better detection, treatment and lab systems. Health Policy Oversight: Opposition MPs renewed scrutiny of Belize’s NHI, demanding full lists of contracted primary care providers and copies of contracts, budgets and reimbursement rates. Safety in the Spotlight: Court ordered compensation instead of jail in a fatal Sandhill crash case, while police continue investigating other violent incidents, including a shovel-related death on Caye Caulker. Infectious Disease Updates: Regional malaria elimination talks in the Dominican Republic included Belize, with targets to cut transmission and strengthen health system cooperation. Community Health Education: World Crocodile Day coverage from Oceana Belize highlighted crocodiles as indicators of healthy mangroves and clean water.

Police Week Wellness Push: Belize Police held an Open Day at Raccoon Street Station, pairing officers with community and service partners to support physical, emotional, financial, and professional well-being for officers and families. Health & Safety in the Courts: A Sandhill crash case ended with a judge ordering compensation instead of jail for Oscar Galindo Jr., after Denia Rowland died in April 2024; meanwhile, another fatal crash plea saw Thirsty Thursday owner Khris Rosado plead guilty to causing death by careless conduct. Dental Care Access: A Belize-based volunteer dental mission continues to deliver free fillings, extractions, and school oral health education on Ambergris Caye, reaching hundreds of patients and thousands of children over the years. HIV Elimination Effort: CARICOM and PAHO met to push faster progress on eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, focusing on better detection, treatment, and monitoring. Malaria Regional Drive: Belize joined a Dominican Republic-led meeting to accelerate malaria elimination by 2027 through stronger surveillance, early diagnosis, and timely treatment. Public Health Transparency: Opposition renewed Freedom of Information requests tied to Belize’s NHI, seeking full provider lists, contract copies, service coverage, and reimbursement details. Community Violence Update: Police are investigating multiple Belize City shootings, including the death of 25-year-old Erick Nelson and the killing of 17-year-old Derrick Morris.

Dental Access in San Pedro: Local dentists, surgeons and university dental hygiene students have been delivering free fillings, extractions and oral health education on Ambergris Caye since 2013, reaching about 200 patients in clinics and around 2,000 kids with brushing/flossing lessons and fluoride. Road Safety & Courts: In Belize District, a driver who killed 19-year-old Denia Rowland was ordered to pay compensation in monthly instalments instead of jail, after the High Court found him guilty of causing death by careless conduct. Fatal Crashes in the News: A Chinese motorist was charged in the death of a Georgeville man after an ATV collision on the George Price Highway, while another case saw a Thirsty Thursday owner plead guilty in a separate fatal collision involving a police officer. HIV Prevention Push: CARICOM and PAHO are driving efforts to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, focusing on better detection, treatment and lab/surveillance support. Malaria Elimination Meeting: Belize joined a regional push to accelerate malaria elimination by 2027, with emphasis on faster diagnosis and treatment and stronger community engagement. World Crocodile Day: Belize Zoo and conservation groups marked June 17 with messages about protecting crocodiles and the mangrove habitats they signal. Local Health System Watch: Opposition leaders are probing details of Belize’s NHI primary care provider contracts and reimbursement terms through Freedom of Information requests. Community Violence Update: Police are investigating multiple Belize City shootings, including the deaths of Erick Nelson and Derrick Dennis Bennett, with motives still unclear.

World Crocodile Day: Belize Zoo and Crocodile Research Coalition-backed celebrations spotlight how Morelet’s and American crocodiles signal healthy mangroves and clean water, while warning that habitat loss and hunting still threaten these ancient predators. NHI Oversight: Opposition leader Tracy Panton pushes a new Freedom of Information request for full NHI primary-care provider lists, contract copies, service schedules, and reimbursement details—questioning what’s been contracted and for how much. HIV/HEP B Mother-to-Child Prevention: CARICOM and PAHO/WHO validation partners met to accelerate elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, focusing on better detection, treatment, labs, and monitoring for pregnant women and exposed infants. Malaria Elimination Drive: Belize joined a regional meeting in the Dominican Republic aimed at cutting malaria transmission by 2027 through faster diagnosis and treatment, stronger surveillance, and community engagement. Coral Resilience Research: New global research suggests more coral reefs may survive future warming than previously thought, offering a cautious boost for reef protection planning. Public Health & Safety: Police report a fatal Belize City shooting of 17-year-old Derrick Morris and a separate Lakeview Street death of 25-year-old Erick Nelson, while a Belizean hunger strike leader, Kyron Swaso, is reported deported from US detention amid claims of retaliation.

HIV/HEP Prevention Push: CARICOM and PAHO are driving efforts to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, focusing on better detection and treatment for pregnant women and exposed infants, plus stronger lab and surveillance systems. NHI Transparency Pressure: Belize’s Opposition is filing a second Freedom of Information request tied to the National Health Insurance (NHI) contracts, seeking provider lists, owners, directors, beneficial owners, full contract copies, budgets, service schedules and reimbursement rates. Deportation & Detention Claims: Belizean hunger strike leader Kyron Swaso was deported from a US immigration detention center after raising complaints about mold, contaminated water, food and limited medical care; advocates allege retaliation and dispute the US account. Road Safety in Court: A “Thirsty Thursday” owner pleaded guilty to causing death by careless conduct in the fatal crash that killed police officer Arcenio Cus, with the case tied to injuries treated at KHMH. Public Health & Vaccines: Regional measles alerts are urging vaccination, noting vaccination coverage gaps and the need for providers to report suspected cases. Malaria Elimination Meeting: Belize joined a regional push to eliminate malaria by 2027, emphasizing faster diagnosis and treatment and stronger community engagement. Coral Resilience Research: New global research suggests more coral reefs may survive future warming than previously thought, offering hope for long-term reef protection. Diplomatic Health Staffing: The US says Belize is winding down the Cuban Medical Brigade, while Belize officials say they’re reviewing options to keep healthcare services robust. Violence & Trauma: Police reported a fatal Belize City shooting of 17-year-old Derrick Morris, with motive still unclear.

HIV & Viral Hepatitis Prevention: CARICOM and PAHO pushed to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, focusing on better detection of HIV-positive pregnant women, stronger lab and surveillance, and scaling up prevention and treatment services across member states. Sepsis Care in Belize: Belize teams, with PAHO support, worked on sepsis care pathways to improve early detection, faster diagnosis, coordinated treatment, and smarter antibiotic use to cut preventable deaths and slow antimicrobial resistance. NHI Oversight: The UDP filed a second Freedom of Information request demanding full details on Belize’s NHI primary care providers and contracts, including provider names, owners, service schedules, reimbursement rates, and the 2025–2026 budget proposal. Immigration Detention Health Concerns: Belizean hunger strike leader Kyron Swaso was deported from US detention after raising complaints about mold, contaminated water, inadequate food and limited medical care; advocates allege retaliation. Traffic Safety & Health Impact: A court case moved forward after a fatal crash on the Philip Goldson Highway, where a Thirsty Thursday owner pleaded guilty to causing death by careless conduct. Regional Malaria Push: Belize joined a Dominican Republic-led meeting to accelerate malaria elimination by 2027, stressing surveillance, early diagnosis, timely treatment and community engagement.

Violence & Emergency Care: A 17-year-old, Derrick Morris, was shot twice outside his home in Belize City on June 14 after answering a door call, and died at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital; police say it may have stemmed from a petty bicycle dispute, but no findings have been reported yet. Public Health Systems: Belize is working to strengthen sepsis care pathways, with PAHO/WHO support focused on faster detection, timely diagnosis, proper antibiotic use, and coordinated treatment to cut preventable deaths. Regional Disease Control: The Dominican Republic convened health authorities and partners from nine countries, including Belize, to accelerate malaria elimination by 2027, emphasizing surveillance, early diagnosis, and treatment within 24 hours. Health & Safety Research: Mercer University researchers helped secure an international standard for detecting lead in new oil-based paint using a faster, lower-cost method—aimed at keeping lead paint off shelves, especially where resources are limited. Training & Lab Readiness: CARPHA trained 18 people across 15 member states on safely transporting infectious substances and diagnostic specimens, boosting regional lab response capacity. Healthcare Policy & Workforce: NHI publicly distanced itself from reporting tied to the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, urging the public and media to rely on verified facts. Community Health: Belize is also seeing ongoing efforts to improve animal welfare through a growing grassroots rescue network, with 77 animals already rescued and cared for.

Sepsis Care in Belize: PAHO/WHO helped run Belize’s National Workshop on Sepsis Care Pathways Implementation (Apr 15–16), focusing on early recognition, timely diagnosis, correct antibiotics, and coordinated care to cut preventable deaths and support antimicrobial stewardship. Regional Malaria Push: The Dominican Republic hosted a meeting with health authorities from Belize and other Latin American and Caribbean countries to accelerate malaria elimination, improve surveillance, and speed up treatment after diagnosis. Cuban Medical Brigade Update: Belize’s NHI and the Ministry of Health/Foreign Affairs are facing renewed pressure as the US Charge d’Affaires says Belize is winding down the Cuban Medical Brigade, while Belize officials say they’re reviewing options to keep services robust. Healthcare System & Safety: Belize City saw a fatal motorcycle crash in San Pedro (33-year-old died; 23-year-old injured) and another Cayo-area motorcycle death reported in the week. Public Health Capacity: CARPHA trained participants from Belize and other member states on safely transporting infectious substances, strengthening lab systems and regional preparedness. Belize Health Policy & Trust: NHI publicly distanced itself from reporting tied to the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, urging reliance on verified facts. Community Health & Wellness: A grassroots rescue effort in Belize is expanding fast, with one young organizer now caring for 77 rescued animals and seeking support for medical care and shelter plans.

Sepsis Care in Belize: PAHO/WHO supported Belize’s National Workshop on Sepsis Care Pathways Implementation (Apr 15–16), focusing on early recognition, timely diagnosis, coordinated care, and smarter antibiotic use to cut preventable deaths and tackle antimicrobial resistance. CARPHA Training: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 Caribbean countries on safely transporting infectious substances and diagnostic specimens, strengthening regional lab readiness and faster public health response. Belize–Cuba Healthcare Ties: The US Charge d’Affaires said Belize’s Cuban Medical Brigade is being “wound down,” while Belize’s health system is expected to stay robust; Belize and Cuba also continue exchanging humanitarian medical supplies amid wider fuel and food pressures. Local Health & Safety: A fatal San Pedro motorcycle crash sent a 33-year-old to hospital care and later death, while another Cayo-area motorcycle death was reported after a crash on the George Price Highway. Public Health Governance: Belize’s NHI pushed back against claims linking it to the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, urging reporting based on verified facts. Community Wellness: A Belmopan grassroots rescue effort is expanding after rescuing 77 animals, with ongoing calls for medical care and support.

Court Ruling: Belize’s Court of Appeal dismissed Tate & Lyle Sugars’ bid to block the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association’s Fairtrade premium claim, keeping alive a case seeking about $9 million (plus interest) and clearing the way for trial. Public Health: Belize is strengthening sepsis care pathways with PAHO/WHO support, focusing on faster recognition, timely diagnosis, and smarter antibiotic use to cut preventable deaths and tackle antimicrobial resistance. Healthcare Workforce: The U.S. Charge d’Affaires says Belize is winding down the Cuban Medical Brigade, while Belize officials say they’re reviewing options to keep services robust. Regional Training: CARPHA trained 18 people across 15 countries on safely transporting infectious substances and diagnostic specimens, boosting lab readiness and faster response. Road Safety: A fatal motorcycle crash in San Pedro killed 33-year-old Gilberto Noble; another rider was treated and transferred for further care. Community Health & Wellness: Belize’s drought warnings are prompting calls for transparent emergency farmer funding, with oversight emphasized to protect livelihoods and public health. Belize Health System & Trust: NHI says it is not connected to the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, urging the public to rely on verified facts. Digital Health: A Belize-linked team highlighted practical digital healthcare workflows at a regional family doctor symposium in Trinidad & Tobago.

Sepsis Care Upgrade: Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness, with PAHO/WHO support, held a National Workshop on Sepsis Care Pathways Implementation to improve early detection, timely diagnosis, and safer antibiotic use—aimed at cutting preventable sepsis deaths and strengthening antimicrobial stewardship. Regional Public Health Training: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 countries, including Belize, on safely transporting infectious substances and diagnostic specimens, boosting lab readiness and faster regional response. Healthcare Workforce Uncertainty: Belize’s Cuban Medical Brigade is facing a “wind down” push after US Charge d’Affaires Katherine Beamer said Belize agreed to end the program, while Belize officials say options are being reviewed to keep services robust. Road Safety & Care Access: A fatal motorcycle crash in San Pedro killed 33-year-old Gilberto Noble; another serious crash in Cayo claimed the life of 30-year-old Geromy Chuc, with victims taken to local hospitals and then higher-level care when needed. Community Health & Wellness: Belikats & Refugio Duky Calliu is expanding a grassroots rescue effort after rescuing 77 animals, including arranging medical care and adoption support.

Sepsis Care Upgrade: Belize health teams, with PAHO/WHO support, held a National Workshop on Sepsis Care Pathways Implementation to improve early detection, timely diagnosis, and safer antibiotic use as part of efforts to cut preventable sepsis deaths and tackle antimicrobial resistance. Cuban Medical Brigade Tension: The US Charge d’Affaires says Belize is moving to wind down the Cuban Medical Brigade, while Belize’s foreign affairs leadership says the government is reviewing options and working to keep services robust. Regional Lab Safety Training: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states on safely transporting infectious substances and diagnostic specimens, strengthening regional pandemic preparedness and lab systems. Belize Health System Integrity: The National Health Insurance (NHI) publicly distanced itself from the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, urging the public and media to rely on verified facts. Road Safety & Care Access: A fatal late-night motorcycle crash in San Pedro sent a 23-year-old to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after the 33-year-old rider died from head injuries. Public Health & Community: Belize also continues building practical health capacity through regional and local initiatives, while animal rescue coverage highlights ongoing wellness needs beyond clinics.

Sepsis Care Upgrade: Belize is improving how hospitals spot and treat sepsis, with PAHO/WHO support through a National Workshop on Sepsis Care Pathways Implementation focused on early recognition, timely diagnosis, smart antibiotic use, and coordinated patient care. Cuban Medical Brigade Tensions: Belize’s government is being urged to wind down the Cuban Medical Brigade after US officials framed it as coercive labor; Belize’s MOFA CEO says cabinet is reviewing options and that healthcare services must stay robust. Regional Public Health Training: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states on safely transporting infectious substances and diagnostic specimens, strengthening lab readiness and faster response across the Caribbean. Drought Relief Accountability: Opposition backs emergency farmer funding amid drought concerns but demands strict transparency and oversight of disaster cash assistance. Public Safety Tragedies: A fatal San Pedro motorcycle crash killed a 33-year-old; another motorcycle accident in Cayo claimed a 30-year-old’s life. Community Health & Wellness: Belize’s animal rescue movement highlights growing grassroots care efforts, including a mission rescuing dozens of strays and arranging medical support.

Road Safety: Police are investigating a fatal late-night motorcycle crash in San Pedro that killed 33-year-old Gilberto Noble after a collision near Atlantic Bank; 23-year-old Vincent Canul was treated at the San Pedro Polyclinic II and transferred to KHMH. Healthcare Policy: Belize’s NHI says it is distancing itself from the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, urging the public and media to rely on verified facts. Sepsis Care: PAHO/WHO supported Belize’s National Workshop on Sepsis Care Pathways Implementation, focusing on early recognition, timely diagnosis, and responsible antibiotic use to cut preventable deaths and support antimicrobial stewardship. Regional Public Health Training: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states on safely transporting infectious substances and diagnostic specimens, strengthening lab readiness and faster response across the region. Animal Health Threat: The New World screwworm is spreading in the U.S., prompting quarantines in Texas after confirmed cases in livestock and a dog—raising concerns for people and animals in nearby areas. Belize–Cuba Health Links: The U.S. Charge d’Affaires says Belize is winding down the Cuban Medical Brigade, while Belize continues to send humanitarian medical-related supplies to Cuba amid shortages. Community Health & Wellness: A Belmopan grassroots rescue effort is expanding fast—77 animals rescued so far—as organizers push toward a full animal shelter.