Belize City, 14 February 2017 (PAHO)- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Belize's Ministry of Health yesterday signed a new cooperation strategy whose priorities are to help the country advance toward universal health and to improve retention and distribution of health personnel throughout the country.
"The new strategy reflects our commitment to continue working with Belize so that all people have access to care, when they need it, with quality and without fear of falling into poverty," said PAHO Director Carissa F. Etienne, who also serves as Regional Director for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Minister of Health Pablo Marín said Belize continues to advance "on the road to universal health coverage" and recognized the importance of investing in primary health care and community-based services, while also improving efficiency.
The PAHO-Belize cooperation strategy 2017-2021 was developed in consultation with various national stakeholders. It lays out the medium-term vision that guides PAHO/WHO's work with Belize in support of the National Health Sector Plan 2014-2024. The strategy's priorities are aligned with PAHO's Strategic Plan 2014-2019 and with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The strategy encourages greater collaboration between the health sector and other sectors and the promotion of health and well-being throughout people's lives. It seeks to reduce noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors as well as infectious diseases, mental health problems, violence and injuries. The strategy also includes technical cooperation on preparedness for and response to health emergencies.
The new strategy was signed yesterday following a dialogue on health financing in which PAHO Director Etienne delivered the keynote address. Also participating in the dialogue and the signing ceremony were Minister of Health Pablo Marin and the Health Ministry's Chief Executive Officer, Ramon Figueroa.
"Belize is on the right track to achieve universal access and universal health coverage," said Etienne in her closing remarks.
