Safer, greener and more resilient health facilities with a stronger and more inclusive health system
The European Union, Belize’s Ministry of Health and PAHO working together towards Universal Health
The European Union (EU) is a lead contributor to global health and has been partnering with PAHO Belize for almost 20 years now in projects that advance the goal of providing a more efficient and higher quality health care for the people of Belize. The EU invests in projects like these in more than 80 countries to support the World Health Organization (WHO) and its Regional Offices in achieving Universal Health Coverage worldwide by 2030.
Beginning September 2018, a 4-year project, the “Health Sector Support Programme Belize” is being implemented in close relation with the Ministry of Health, to support the development of efficient, effective, disaster-resilient and environmentally friendly health facilities and to improve the structure, organization, and management of the country’s health services.
The project’s first goal is to achieve a balance between safety and an environmentally friendly setting in health care facilities, which are evaluated in terms of green, structural, functional and non-functional elements to become “smarter” (safer and greener). Due to Belize’s exposure to weather-related and seismic hazards, this component also supports preparedness and response, with first responders and health teams strengthening their capacity and training for both emergency and disaster situations.
The second component aims to strengthen Belize’s health care system and promote a healthier lifestyle, as chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is one of the greatest health challenges in the country. Evaluations to generate recommendations to build a stronger, more accessible and equitable health system and collaborative and educational efforts to tackle NCDs are ongoing.
Scaling-up confidence and good results
The Health Sector Support Programme Belize builds upon a previous successful smart hospital project and its partners’ commitment to universal health. The Smart Hospitals Project funded by the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) set the ground for the EU to engage with PAHO and the Ministry of Health as reliable partners.
In addition to the significant funds provided, the EU is deeply involved in the implementation and oversight of this initiative, one of the largest health projects currently in implementation in Belize. The EU is relying and trusting PAHO’s technical expertise, shared principles and transparency, combined with the country’s demonstrated ability to execute important partnership projects and implement quality standards.
This association is a remarkable illustration of the importance of project implementation and shared values among partners, as it can create new opportunities to work with current or new partners in the public health arena.
EU Ambassador to Belize, Malgorzata Wasilewska (left), and PAHO Representative, Dr. Noreen Jack (right), sign the Health Sector Support Programme Belize Agreeement