Belize City, September 19, 2024 (PAHO/WHO) – In a significant milestone for Belize’s health infrastructure, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) and funded by the European Union, successfully conducted the official handover of the Clinical Data Exchange Program (CDEP) at the Vaccine Building in Belmopan City. This initiative is part of the broader Health Sector Support Programme aimed at strengthening the country’s health system and expanding access to primary care services.
Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell, PAHO Representative, emphasized the importance of this technological advancement. "The development of the CDEP in Belize will facilitate the interoperability of health information from all stakeholders in the provision of healthcare in the country to inform the epidemiological and disease profile, which will in turn inform policy and program planning in health and contribute to the timely international reporting as required by the country," said Dr. Lewis-Bell.
The handover ceremony highlighted the development and operationalization of this digital health platform, which will facilitate interoperability between Belize’s Health Information System (BHIS) and the Registration and Clinical Activity Web Application (RAWA). In his keynote address, Hon. Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness, described this initiative as a transformative step towards integrated healthcare. "The launch of the clinical data exchange program CDEP highlights and signifies the journey we want to take, we are taking towards a more efficient, transparent, and a more modern health care system. And I am proud to say, and we should all be proud to highlight, that Belize is leading the way in the Caribbean region, embracing these new technologies to enhance the quality and accessibility of health care services for all our citizens," Hon. Kevin Bernard noted.
The ceremony featured remarks from various health officials, who outlined the strategic objectives behind the project, including training healthcare teams and enhancing the cancer registry. Attendees were also briefed on how the CDEP aligns with international standards for data exchange, which will contribute to more efficient disease monitoring and evidence-based decision-making.
The CDEP will play a crucial role in monitoring and evaluating healthcare indicators, a process crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability in the health sector. As this platform becomes fully operational, it is expected to streamline the flow of medical information across all levels of the healthcare system, providing clinicians with the data needed for informed medical decisions.
This handover marks a significant investment in Belize’s health infrastructure, further underscoring the EU’s commitment to supporting Belize in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). PAHO, the EU, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness remain dedicated to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of this initiative.
About the Health Sector Support Programme:
The Health Sector Support Programme in Belize, funded by the European Union and implemented by PAHO/WHO in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, focuses on improving healthcare accessibility and delivery. It emphasizes the use of digital health solutions, such as the CDEP, to enhance the country's capacity to provide timely and quality healthcare to all citizens, particularly those in remote and underserved regions.
