Belize City, Belize, October 8, 2020 (PAHO/WHO) – As part of an ongoing efforts to strengthen Belize’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic at ports of entry, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, previously known as the Development and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (DFID), donated 100 safety vests and four (4) Samsung Smart LED TVs to the Ministry of Health.
PAHO/WHO Representative of Belize, Dr. Noreen Jack, presented the items to Nurse Melinda Guerra, Regional Manager of Central Health Region who accepted on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. George Gough, and the Belize Ministry of Health.
“As the country moves towards gradual lifting of travel restrictions, a comprehensive approach for managing travelers at ports of entry is crucial to the overall health response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Jack. “We are grateful to have the collaboration of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as we continue to provide support to the Ministry of Health and to the country.”
The donated items will enhance safety protocols for the personnel who work at the various ports of entry and the television sets will be used to provide update and messaging to raise awareness on preventing the spread of COVID-19 to those entering and leaving through these entry points.
“I'd like to extend heartfelt gratitude to PAHO/WHO and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for their continued support to the Ministry of Health,” commented Nurse Guerra. “They will be put to good use at the different ports of entry.”
PAHO/WHO Belize continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health and to collaborate with various entities such as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to support the fight against COVID-19.
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.
