September, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

IDB Funds Urban Development and Healthcare Programs in Belize

On Friday, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Government of Belize finalised major funding agreements during the Third High-Level Dialogue of the Regional Climate Change Platform of Finance and Economy Ministries in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The agreements, signed by IDB Executive Vice President Jordan Schwartz and Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño, involve substantial loans and grants aimed at transforming urban infrastructure and healthcare services in Belize.

The IDB is providing US$10 million in funding for a sustainable urban development program designed to upgrade infrastructure and improve urban services in northern Belize, including the municipalities of Orange Walk, Corozal, and San Pedro. This program is expected to benefit approximately 40,000 residents and includes an additional US$2.5 million in non-reimbursable funds.

The IDB has allocated US$17.36 million to a healthcare initiative. This includes a US$7 million loan from the IDB, a US$7 million loan from the Korean Infrastructure Development Co-Financing Facility for Latin America and the Caribbean, and US$3.36 million in non-reimbursable financing from the IDB Grant Migration Facility. The program will serve around 300,000 people, including 37,000 migrants and 42,000 indigenous individuals. It aims to bolster the Primary Healthcare model, focusing on reproductive, maternal, neonatal, and child health, as well as noncommunicable diseases, emergency services, and surgeries. Additionally, it will address gender-based violence and mental health issues.

Prime Minister Briceño highlighted the significance of these agreements, stating, “These new partnerships with the IDB represent vital steps in our Government’s development strategy. Investments in healthcare and urban development will enhance the quality of life for our citizens and contribute to a healthier and more prosperous Belize.”

The funding approvals followed endorsements by the IDB Board of Directors in May and June 2024, and by the National Assembly of Belize in July 2024. These initiatives are set to play a crucial role in Belize’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and healthcare services across the nation.

Understanding Sickle Cell Disease

As September marks Sickle Cell Awareness Month, it’s an important time to deepen understanding of sickle cell disease (SCD). This article aims to shed light on the causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of SCD, helping to raise awareness and support for those affected.

What is Sickle Cell Disease?

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that affects the haemoglobin in red blood cells. Haemoglobin is the protein responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. In individuals with SCD, the haemoglobin is abnormal, leading red blood cells to become rigid and shaped like a crescent or sickle, instead of the typical disc shape. These sickle-shaped cells can block blood flow in small blood vessels, causing pain and other serious complications.

Causes

SCD is caused by a mutation in the HBB gene, which provides instructions for making hemoglobin. This genetic mutation leads to the production of abnormal haemoglobin known as haemoglobin S. SCD is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning a child must receive two copies of the mutated gene—one from each parent—to develop the disease. If a child inherits only one copy of the mutated gene, they become a carrier of the disease (sickle cell trait) but typically do not show symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of sickle cell disease can vary widely among individuals but often include:

– Pain Crises: Episodes of severe pain, known as sickle cell crises, occur when sickle-shaped cells block blood flow in the body.
Anaemia: The destruction of sickle cells can lead to a shortage of red blood cells, causing fatigue, weakness, and pallor.
– Swelling: Painful swelling in the hands and feet, known as dactylitis or hand-foot syndrome, is common in infants and young children with SCD.
– Frequent Infections: Sickle cell disease can damage the spleen, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
– Delayed Growth: Children with SCD may experience delayed growth and development due to anaemia and other complications.
– Vision Problems: Blocked blood flow to the eyes can cause vision problems and even blindness.

Diagnosis

Sickle cell disease is often diagnosed through newborn screening, which is routinely performed in many countries, including the United States. The screening tests for the presence of haemoglobin S in the blood. For those who are not diagnosed at birth, further diagnostic tests, such as haemoglobin electrophoresis, can confirm the presence of sickle cell disease.

Treatment

While there is currently no universal cure for SCD, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life:

– Pain Management: Pain relief is a key component of SCD treatment, often involving medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or opioids during severe pain crises.
– Hydroxyurea: This medication can reduce the frequency of pain crises and the need for blood transfusions by increasing the production of foetal haemoglobin, which does not sickle.
– Blood Transfusions: Regular blood transfusions can help prevent complications such as stroke and reduce anaemia by providing healthy red blood cells.
-Bone Marrow Transplant: For some individuals, a bone marrow or stem cell transplant may offer a potential cure, though it is not suitable for everyone and involves significant risks.
– Preventive Care: Regular check-ups with healthcare providers, vaccinations, and antibiotics can help manage and prevent complications associated with SCD.

Living with Sickle Cell Disease

Living with sickle cell disease requires ongoing medical care and support. Patients often work with a team of healthcare professionals, including haematologists, pain specialists, and primary care physicians, to manage their condition. Support from family, friends, and patient organisations also plays a crucial role in coping with the challenges of SCD.

Raising Awareness

Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September provides an opportunity to increase understanding and support for individuals living with SCD. Education about the disease, its impact, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life for those affected.

Belize Hosts Trafficking in Persons Leadership Summit to Enhance Anti-Trafficking Efforts

On Thursday, August 29, 2024, the Human Trafficking Institute (HTI), in collaboration with the Anti-Trafficking in Persons (ATIPs) Council of the Government of Belize, hosted the Trafficking in Persons Leadership Summit. This event is part of a CARSI grant project titled “A TIPPING POINT 2.0,” awarded to HTI in September 2022. The summit aimed to enhance best practices in Belize’s anti-trafficking efforts and to foster collaboration and coordination across various government ministries and departments. It provided an opportunity to reflect on global best practices and common challenges in addressing human trafficking.

The agenda covered several key topics, including: best practices for government leadership on trafficking in persons, the situation of trafficking in Belize, trafficking in the Caribbean and Latin America, and effective strategies for working with victims of trafficking. The summit concluded with a joint SWOT analysis by the leadership, which identified key action items for future progress.

The Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, reaffirmed the Belize Police Department’s unwavering support in combating human trafficking. He stressed the importance of using the nation’s freedom to secure the freedom of those ensnared by the invisible chains of human trafficking.

Attendees included representatives from key departments and ministries such as the Office of Public Prosecutions, the Belize Police Department and its Anti-Trafficking in Persons Police Unit, the Labour Department, the Ministry of National Defence, the Department of Local Government, and the Department of Human Services.

In a statement, CEO Adele Catzim-Sanchez of the Ministry of Human Development, Families, and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs highlighted that “as we move forward, let us remember that our leadership will be judged not only by the policies we implement but by the lives we transform and the injustices we eradicate.”

Margaritaville Beach Resort Belize Joins Global Cleanup Effort for Jimmy Buffett Day of Service

Margaritaville Beach Resort in Belize recently participated in the inaugural Jimmy Buffett Day of Service, an annual event launched by Margaritaville International to honour the legacy of its founder, Jimmy Buffett. On August 30th, the Belize property joined other Margaritaville locations worldwide in giving back to the community and environment through a beach cleanup initiative.

The cleanup effort took place on Ambergris Caye, covering one mile north and one mile south of the resort. It was organised in collaboration with the San Pedro Town Council and Oceana, reflecting the resort’s commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Belize’s coastline.

Destiny Wagner, Miss Earth Belize 2021, took part in the event, helping to highlight the importance of environmental conservation and inspire community involvement.

“Cleaning our beaches isn’t just about preserving our coastlines—it’s about protecting marine life, ensuring clean sands for future generations, and maintaining the health of our planet. Every bit of effort counts in this vital endeavour,” said Shawn Marshall, General Manager at Margaritaville Beach Resort, Belize. “This event reflected our dedication to sustainability and community engagement, values that are at the heart of Margaritaville.”

Ramon Vasquez Quits UDP, Shifts Support to PUP

Ramon Vasquez, Chairman and CEO of Belize Broadcasting Network (BBN), withdrew as the United Democratic Party (UDP) standard bearer for Belize Rural South in the upcoming General Elections to preserve the station’s neutrality. However, Vasquez was recently seen supporting the People’s United Party (PUP) at an endorsement convention in Orange Walk.

He was seen holding signs, supporting Prime Minister John Briceño and Orange Walk East Area Representative, Kevin Bernard. This comes days after Vasquez withdrew his candidacy from the U.D.P.

In a statement, he explained that the decision followed “extensive discussions with the board of directors” at BBN. The statement emphasised that the move was made to maintain the television station’s “identity, neutrality, and independence.”

Guatemalan Shot Dead in Cotton Tree Village

San Ignacio police are investigating a shooting murder that occurred early yesterday morning in Cotton Tree Village, Cayo District. The victim has been identified as Guatemalan national Otoniel Perez Mateo. According to reports, police responded to reports of gunfire around 1:50 a.m. and found Perez lying face down in his yard. He was shot in the head and body.

The 31-year-old was asleep in his room when two men entered his yard and knocked on his door, which led to Perez answering and a fight breaking out. During the scuffle, Perez was shot.

The intruders then escaped.