December 1, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Rights, Health, Action: The Global Push to End AIDS

The world can end AIDS—but only if we protect everyone’s rights, says the World Health Organisation (WHO). This World AIDS Day (December 1st) is focused on the theme, “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!” WHO calls for global leaders and citizens to tackle inequalities and focus on human rights to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

In Belize, the National AIDS Commission celebrated World AIDS Day on Friday. Enrique Romero, the Executive Director, highlighted that the government now provides free HIV medications and preventive supplies. However, he stressed that ending HIV requires more than just medical solutions. Romero said, “One of the critical barriers is the fact that young people can consent to have sex at the age of sixteen, but they cannot access health services until they are eighteen. So that disparity creates a huge barrier.”

WHO reports that in 2023, about 39.9 million people lived with HIV, with 1.3 million new infections. WHO emphasises that everyone should have access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care without discrimination. Stigma and discrimination, especially for vulnerable groups like men who have sex with men, sex workers, and people in prisons, remain major barriers to care.

WHO also stated that new technologies, like mobile health apps and biomedical tools such as PrEP, will help, but stigma continues to be an obstacle.

WHO continues its commitment to the 95-95-95 goals—diagnosing 95% of people with HIV, ensuring 95% of them receive treatment, and achieving viral suppression for 95% of those on treatment. This World AIDS Day, WHO urges everyone to support the rights and health of people living with HIV, so they can say, “My Health, My Right!”

National Aids Commission Celebrates World Aids Day

Drug-Resistant “Superbugs” Claims 1.3 Million Deaths Annually

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is not a future problem—it’s happening right now. At the Fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Director-General of the UN World Health Organisation Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus gave a serious warning. He said, “AMR doesn’t just threaten to make the medicines on which we depend less effective; it’s happening now.” He stated that the problem isn’t just a future risk but instead a current crisis, with “1.3 million people every year” dying because of superbug infections.

As drug-resistant “superbugs” spread, modern medicine is at risk, making even common infections harder to treat. This year’s World AMR Awareness Week, which took place from November 18 to 24, observed the theme “Educate. Advocate. Act now.”

WHO warns that without immediate intervention, the world could lose the ability to fight infections that have been treatable for decades. Ghebreyesus stated, “AMR doesn’t just threaten to make the medicines on which we depend less effective; it’s happening now.”

AMR is not just a human health issue, according to WHO’s Dr. Hanan Al Balkhy. It impacts multiple global sectors, including food production, animal care, and the environment. She warned that AMR is a heavy burden, particularly in conflict zones, where people lack basic health resources.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is working to reduce the use of antimicrobials in farming, as around 70% of antibiotics are used in agriculture. FAO’s initiatives, such as RENOFARM, aim to improve farming practices and reduce the need for antimicrobials, which will ultimately protect both human and animal health.

As Dr. Al Balkhy said, “Bacteria have one aim in life. They’re going to survive,” and it’s crucial to stay ahead of this threat to preserve public health and medical advancements.

Cayo Bridges Fully Operational Again

Today, the Earl Haylock Bridge (Board Bridge) is open to ONE-WAY traffic.

Also, three bridges in the Cayo District are now fully operational. The town council is urging drivers to be cautious and follow traffic signs as they continue working to improve the transportation network.

Although the bridge remains with no lights at the moment, the Council said that “BEL is scheduled to restore electricity along the Earl Haylock Bridge, which was temporarily disconnected as a precaution during the recent flooding.”

Two weeks ago, Tropical Storm Sara brought heavy rains and flooding to many parts of Belize, especially the Cayo District. Key bridges, including the Board Bridge and the Iguana Creek Bridge, were completely submerged and impassable.

After the storm, Prime Minister John Briceño and NEMO’s National Emergency Coordinator Daniel Mendez flew over the affected areas to assess the damage.

They saw that more water was expected to flow down the Macal River, which would further affect residents.

Today, the water has finally receded, making key bridges like the Board Bridge and Iguana Creek Bridge accessible once again.

Digital Immigration Promises Faster Travel Through Belize

Starting today, travellers to Belize will experience a faster, paperless journey through the country’s borders with the launch of a new online immigration and customs declaration system. This digital upgrade aims to streamline the travel process, cutting down on wait times and eliminating the need for paper forms, making it easier than ever to visit Belize.

The system allows travellers to complete the required forms online through an easy-to-use web link. This will help speed up the immigration and customs process and reduce the need for paper forms. During the first three months, both printed and digital forms will be accepted to ensure a smooth transition. The public is encouraged to try the digital option and offer feedback for improvements.

The Immigration Department says that this digital system will expand to all ports of entry in Belize, making travel even more convenient.

Belize Launches Wildlife Database Platform to Enhance Conservation Efforts

In celebration of International Jaguar Day, the Forest Department, in partnership with several organisations, has launched a new Wildlife Database Platform and signed important data-sharing agreements aimed at enhancing wildlife conservation. These efforts focus on protecting jaguars and their habitats, as well as supporting broader conservation initiatives in the country.

The data-sharing agreements signed between the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, the Forest Department, the Belize Audubon Society, and other key partners will enable the exchange of wildlife data. This collaboration is designed to improve the management of wildlife corridors, reduce threats, and ensure the responsible use of sensitive information on species like jaguars.

“The data-sharing agreements facilitate high-quality data exchange among partners to strengthen conservation initiatives,” said the Forest Department in a statement. The goal is to enhance data collection and share real-time information about species populations and prey movement.

In addition, the launch of the National Wildlife Database Platform introduces an advanced digital tool for centralising and sharing wildlife data. This platform integrates real-time data from wildlife monitoring efforts, helping researchers and policymakers track wildlife populations and better understand the impact of climate change on local species.

The project is being funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

“We are committed to uniting efforts and embracing technology to address challenges like species loss, prey movement, and climate impacts on wildlife,” stated the Forest Department.