Belize Working For Universal Health Care
Washington, DC, August 7, 2003 (PAHO)—The Minister of Health of Belize, José Coye, visited the Pan American Health Organization and highlighted the work his country is doing with HIV/AIDS prevention programs, and to ensure universal health coverage.
 According to UNAIDS, in 2002 there were 2,500 people living with HIV/AIDS, in a population of 265,200 inhabitants.
The minister of Belize, who is participating in meetings at PAHO's headquarters in Washington, DC, offered a general overview on the health situation in his country.
PAHO Director, Dr. Mirta Roses Periago, highlighted the work being done in Belize and said that, since there are so many challenges, it is important to celebrate the achievements. "It is an achievement to be able to declare Central America an area free from cholera. Belize worked hard to reach this goal. Furthermore, it is a committed member of this Organization, that shares initiatives both of the Caribbean and of Central America," Roses said.
Coye explained that Belize is working to reform its health system. The government is the main service provider in the country. "We are working with the slogan 'A Healthier Belize', offering universal health care through the National Health Insurance. We seek greater participation of the community and the civil society to achieve a fair access to health services."
Although small, Belize faces the same trends that challenge other countries of the region: an increase in non communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, a great number of deaths caused by traffic accidents, and communicable diseases which are only partially under control.
"We have 8 public hospitals and 75 health centers-40 urban and 35 rural-in addition to a number of mobile services," said Coye. He pointed out the importance not only of developing human resources such as physicians and nurses, but of ensuring a better distribution of these resources throughout the country, so that urban and rural areas have access to services of comparable quality.
Belize is one of the youngest countries of the Americas, having achieved its independence in 1981. In its territory of 22,700 square kilometers live varied ethnic groups: mestizos, creoles, garífunas, Mayans and Mennonites; 41% of its inhabitants are under 15 years old and 61% are less than 25 years old. Although located in Central America-south of Mexico and east of Guatemala-its culture is very close to that of the Caribbean, which means that it represents a bridge between the two sub regions.
With an economy based on agriculture, services, and tourism, Belize has accomplished a 90.5% increase in per capita income, from $1,644 dollars in 1989 to $3,134 in 2001. However, 33% of the population still lives in poverty. Belize's population is young and literate, with a 76.6% degree of literacy, and a life expectancy of 69.9 years (2000). It is a nation equipped with the tools it needs to face the challenges of public health.
PAHO was established in 1902 and is the world’s oldest ongoing health organization. PAHO works with all the countries of the Americas to improve health and improve the quality of life of its inhabitants. It serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization.
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