Belize City, Belize, 22 May 2026 ― The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is actively supporting Belize in advancing its Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP). This comprehensive technical cooperation aims to transition Belize’s healthcare system from reactive to proactive, ensuring it can withstand climate-related shocks and protect populations in situations of vulnerability. A Health National Adaptation Plan is a strategic framework designed to protect public health from the impacts of climate change. It serves as an official blueprint to build climate-resilient healthcare facilities, strengthen the capacity of healthcare professionals to handle climate risks, establish early warning systems for climate-sensitive diseases, and secure dedicated funding for national climate and health initiatives.
“PAHO previously supported the development of Belize's HNAP through the EU-CARIFORUM Climate Resilient Health Systems Project. Advancing the HNAP and strengthening infrastructure safeguards ensures that even during extreme weather events, essential healthcare remains uninterrupted, sustainable, and safe for all citizens", said Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell, PAHO/WHO representative in Belize.
PAHO’s recent mission helped Belize define priority actions for both climate adaptation and mitigation. By integrating climate considerations directly into health planning and service delivery, the initiative lays the groundwork for a low-carbon, sustainable healthcare model. Strengthening these systems is essential for anticipating and responding to extreme weather events and shifting climate variability.
Dr. Laura Friesen, Acting Deputy Director of Public Health and Wellness at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, said that "developing Belize’s Health National Adaptation Plan has been critical to identify the impacts of climate change on our health sector and key priority actions for our country to manage these impacts. As climate affects all aspects of health both directly and indirectly, the implementation of this plan is urgent. PAHO's recent mission to Belize was essential in discussing practical next steps for implementation and opportunities for funding. This benefits Belize as we begin to integrate climate aspects into health sector planning and emergency preparedness and response and strengthen the resilience of the healthcare services."
Through this comprehensive technical cooperation, PAHO continues to support Belize in building safer, more sustainable, and climate-resilient health systems, ensuring that the health sector is capable of protecting the populations in facing the climate crises.
