Belize City, Belize, September 17, 2025 (PAHO) – After seven years of work, the European Union (EU)-funded Health Sector Support Programme (HSSP) officially concluded, marking the successful end of a partnership in the modernization and strengthening of Belize’s health system. The €8.8 million programme, implemented by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW), delivered impactful results across the country’s health sector.
With a strong focus on sustainability, resilience, and people-centered care, the EU-HSSP achieved key improvements in health infrastructure, emergency preparedness, governance, digital health, and integrated service delivery, leaving Belize with a more robust and equitable health system.
Key Achievements:
- Upgraded Health Facilities: Major retrofitting of critical facilities, including Punta Gorda Community Hospital, Corozal Community Hospital, Southern Regional Hospital, and the Central Medical Laboratory. Green infrastructure improvements were also implemented at Western and Northern Regional Hospitals in addition to the other facilities, to promote environmental sustainability and included the installation of solar photovoltaic systems.
- Capacity Building for Human Resources: The programme invested heavily in training healthcare professionals, including first responders, community health workers, nurses, doctors, and laboratory technicians, strengthening the country’s healthcare workforce for the long term.
- Policy and Digital Transformation: Supported the development and implementation of national health policies on nutrition, mental health, and human resources for health, and the Belize Health Sector Strategic Plan 2025-2034, while also advancing digital telehealth and interoperability through the development of the Clinical Data Exchange Platform (CDEP).
- COVID-19 Response: When the pandemic struck, the EU-HSSP swiftly adapted its priorities to support Belize’s national response. Funds were reoriented to strengthen medical waste management, integrate infection prevention and control measures into routine healthcare, enhance the patient referral system, and train over 200 healthcare and community health workers to respond effectively to the pandemic with health promotion and other measures.
The programme concluded with the release of a comprehensive final report, which details achievements, challenges, and lessons learned throughout the implementation period from November 2018 to September 2025. The report is available online at https://www.paho.org/en/documents/health-sector-support-programme-belize-final-report-september-2018-september-2025.
PAHO, the European Union, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness extend their sincere appreciation to all stakeholders, partners, and community members who contributed to the success of this programme. We remain committed to working with the Government and people of Belize to advance health and well-being for all.
