Achievements in Belize

Integrating renewable energy into health facilities for climate resilience

Belize took a major step toward a greener, more climate-resilient health system  with the integration of grid-tied solar systems across six public health facilities countrywide. PAHO, in partnership with the European Union and the Ministry of Health & Wellness, designed, installed, and commissioned over 1000 solar panels and battery storage systems, which generate an estimated 1800–2000 kWh per day, reducing carbon emissions by over 300 tons annually, providing excess power to the national grid, and saving costs. Advanced battery backup systems ensure uninterrupted electricity for critical services such as labor and delivery, emergency care, operating theaters, and life-saving equipment during grid outages, ensuring service continuity. Capacity-building for local staff with real-time monitoring through an app further enhances system performance. This initiative reduces fossil fuel dependence, lowers operational costs, and accelerates the transition to climate-smart health care in Belize. 

Accelerated implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and MPOWER strategies

PAHO provided technical cooperation to Belize for finalizing and tabling the National Tobacco Control Bill in the House of Representatives to accelerate implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and MPOWER strategies. Through wide consultations, stakeholders were given the opportunity to provide input and indicate support. Capacity-building on treating tobacco dependence was conducted for 37 healthcare providers to equip them with knowledge and skills to treat tobacco dependence, introduce tobacco cessation services at the primary health care level, and strengthen implementation of control measures at the district level. In collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey 2024 were analyzed to help inform interventions to reduce tobacco use among young people. These initiatives demonstrate the importance of sustained political will for the advancement of tobacco control measures at the country level, and the successful passing of the legislation will make Belize the country with the most comprehensive tobacco control legislation in the Caribbean.

Governance and stewardship in the health sector strengthened through development of the Belize Health Sector Strategic Plan

PAHO supported the Ministry of Health & Wellness to develop the new 10-year Belize Health Sector Strategic Plan 2025–2034 and the first two-year operational plan (2025–2026). This initiative is closely aligned with the PAHO Strategic Plan 2026–2031 and focuses on integration of programs around shared priorities guided by a results-based framework. The Belize Health Sector Strategic Plan will advance the people-centered integrated approach to health care for the achievement of universal access. The process strengthened internal coordination and created a practical management tool for monitoring implementation and accountability. Through collaboration with development partners and other national stakeholders, this ensures coherence with ongoing reforms and available resources. Beyond producing a plan, the process embedded a stronger culture of accountability.

Significant advancements achieved in strengthening mental health laws, services, and suicide reporting

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Wellness, PAHO provided technical cooperation to advance the updating of mental health laws, in alignment with international human rights treaties. Through capacity-building for police officers, revision of the crisis intervention training manual, and enhanced implementation of the Mental Health Gap Action Programme, community interventions for acute mental health crises were improved. Strengthening of surveillance was achieved through training on International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision coding and the development of a mental health dashboard to improve the accuracy of data quality and standardized methodologies for evidence-based decision-making. Through capacity-building for media operatives, responsible reporting on suicide and self-harm was strengthened and is being implemented and supported by a monitoring and evaluation framework for suicide reporting. These initiatives reflect Belize’s commitment to comprehensively address mental health issues and improve mental health care, including suicide prevention and control, with a focus on stakeholder collaboration and strengthened community involvement.