Belize City, Belize, December 14, 2020 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), through funding received from Germany, donated five (5) defibrillators, 100 pulse oximeters to support the case management of COVID-19 cases in Belize. Additionally, 100 non-contact thermometers, 15,000 units of shoulder-length disposable gloves, 40,000 KN95 masks, and six (6) food safety kits were also donated to the Ministry of Health and Wellness as part of the continuous support in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The donation of the medical devices and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) will primarily support the clinical management and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) throughout the country including aiding healthcare workers to continue to effectively and safely fight the pandemic.
To strengthen the Ministry of Health and Wellness’s and the Belize Agricultural Health Authority’s (BAHA) Food Safety/Handling Program, the food safety kits will assist in shifting the food monitoring program into a food risk inspection program to better protect consumers, maintaining the continuity of essential health services during the COVID-19 pandemic while avoiding preventable Food-Borne diseases’ outbreaks that can overwhelm healthcare services.
Each of the six food safety kits donated includes:
- 1 LED water-resistant flashlight
- 1 PH Plastic Strip of 100 Strips per Vial
- 1 Frying Oil Quality test strip kit of 40 Strips per bottle (Four bottles)
- 1 Supersnap extra sensitive Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) Test of 100 swabs each
- 1 ATP Systemsure Plus Luminometer
- 1 Hands-free fold-up magnifier, magnification 10X lens
- 1 Digi-sense infrared food safety thermometer
PAHO/WHO Representative of Belize, Dr. Noreen Jack, handed over the much-needed items and kits to the Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr. Michel Chebat.
“I am pleased to be receiving these donations on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the people of Belize,” said Minister Chebat. “Through these donations, we are able to increase quality of services throughout the regions and allow our front liners to have access to these contributions. Thank you.”
PAHO/WHO Belize, working with partners, continues to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by providing technical guidance, capacity building, and the procurement of much-needed medical equipment to Belize and the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
About PAHO/WHO
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of its population. Founded in 1902, it is the world’s oldest international public health agency. It serves as the Regional Office of WHO for the Americas and is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American system. For further information, please contact Pete Castillo, PAHO/WHO IT/Communications at castillpet@paho.org or Zenena Moguel, PAHO/WHO Communications Consultant at moguelzen@paho.org or visit paho.org/en/belize.
