City of Belmopan, Belize, February 18, 2026 - PAHO Belize was recognized for its outstanding contribution to climate resilience in the health sector, receiving the Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction Award at the UK-Belize Climate and Nature Legacy Awards 2026, which was funded by the UK’s Climate & Nature Diplomacy Fund (CNDF), held on February 3, at the residence of the British High Commissioner in Belmopan, Belize.
The awards ceremony featured ten categories and recognized companies, entities, and associations operating in Belize. Nominees were selected by the Caribbean Development Group of the British High Commission, with PAHO Belize emerging as the winner from a pool of five nominees in the Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction category.
The award recognized PAHO Belize’s leadership in making health facilities greener, safer, and more climate resilient, particularly through the SMART Hospital Initiative. This initiative was first implemented in Belize and several other Caribbean countries with funding support from the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness in ensuring health facilities remain operational during and after hurricanes and other natural disasters.
Through UK funding, the initiative supported the upgrading of five health facilities across Belize with a range of safety, green, and functional improvements. These included strengthened hurricane and earthquake structural resilience, improved fire safety, water and electrical systems, infection control measures, and structural repairs, alongside climate-smart upgrades such as rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, solar water heating, photovoltaic power systems, and improved ventilation and waste management. Functional enhancements also improved accessibility through ramps and handrails, expansion of storage spaces, and renovation of laboratories and pharmacies.
Building on the success of these initial investments, PAHO Belize, through the SMART Hospital Initiative, has also been able to upgrade additional health facilities with sustainable energy solutions to ensure climate resiliency. Capacity building remains a key focus, with training provided to relevant stakeholders, including the civil works department. Today, in Belize, the Green Checklist and Hospital Safety Index are used as the national standard for the building of new health facilities and the retrofitting of existing ones.
“This recognition by the British High Commission is a strong testimony of the value of PAHO's technical leadership in health emergencies in the region, and particularly the Caribbean, which is at high risk for climate-related natural disasters,” said Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell, PAHO/WHO Representative in Belize. PAHO plays a significant role in strengthening health systems and ensuring continuity of essential services during times of disasters or health emergencies. While the award was presented to PAHO Belize, it was accepted on behalf of the entire organization.”
Key Achievements:
- 26 health facilities audited for vulnerability and resilience needs in Belize.
- Five facilities upgraded to GOLD SMART standards (Cleopatra White, San Ignacio Community Hospital, Palm Centre Nursing Home, Independence PC, Isabel Palma PC).
- 184 personnel trained (64 women) in assessment, renewable energy, contingency planning, and maintenance.
- 45 kW solar installed, generating ~USD 125,000 annual savings.
- Regional programme strengthened over 858,000 people’s access to reliable healthcare during disasters.
