Belize City, September 19, 2024 (PAHO/WHO) – An official handover of essential medical supplies and equipment took place at the Vaccine Building in Belmopan City. This event, funded by the European Union through the Health Sector Support Programme, was carried out in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW). It focused on providing critical support to ongoing national health initiatives, particularly in the areas of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and cervical cancer prevention and control.
The donation marks another milestone in the country's efforts to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure and delivery, with a special focus on the HEARTS Initiative and implementing the Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control Plan. To better manage hypertension and other NCDs, the Ministry of Health and Wellness received 17 Clinically validated Blood Pressure Measuring Devices to enhance patient care and monitoring at healthcare facilities nationwide.
Moreover, to support the implementation of Belize's Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control Plan, the following medical supplies were donated:
- 50 kits (100 units per kit) of COPAN 552C Dry Swabs
- 100 kits (10 units per kit) of Xpert HPV Rapid Tests
- 40 kits (25 units per kit) of Xpert HPV Cervex Brushes
- 10 boxes (100 vials per box) of Preservyct Solution Vials
These supplies will be instrumental in expanding HPV self-sampling for women as part of the screening and prevention efforts for cervical cancer, allowing for better early detection and treatment outcomes for women across the country.
PAHO/WHO and the MoHW, with support from the European Union through the Health Sector Support Programme, are strengthening Belize’s health system, focusing on improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations. The distribution of these essential medical supplies signifies the collective commitment to the sustainable improvement of Belize’s healthcare services, ensuring greater access to lifesaving interventions.
