Day: May 20, 2025

Central Medical Lab Upgraded

The Central Medical Laboratory in Belize has officially reopened after undergoing major retrofitting, thanks to a partnership between the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the European Union (EU), and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW).

With an investment of over USD$800,000, the lab was transformed into a climate-resilient “Smart Health Care Facility,” improving safety, energy efficiency, and functionality. Upgrades included air quality systems, safety showers, green energy features, flood protection, and restored fire-damaged areas, expanding its working space by 50 percent.

Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell of PAHO/WHO called the project “a major step forward for public health in Belize,” while EU Ambassador Dr. Erja Eskola praised the collaboration as a reflection of shared values and a commitment to better healthcare.

Health Minister Kevin Bernard noted that the improvements go beyond infrastructure, highlighting efforts to strengthen staffing and service protocols. The lab is one of six health facilities upgraded under the EU-funded Health Sector Support Programme, one of Belize’s largest health investments to date.

Solar panels worth over USD$318,000 will soon be installed to boost energy resilience, helping the lab maintain operations during power outages or natural disasters.

PACT Invests $7.75 Million to Boost Belize’s Protected Areas

The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) has announced a BZ$7.75 million investment under its enhanced Conservation Investment Strategy (CIS) 2.0. Spread over three years, the funding will support 15 co-management agencies working across 28 protected areas in Belize. The initiative is part of a broader BZ$12 million strategy aimed at strengthening the management and sustainability of the Belize National Protected Areas System (BNPAS).

CIS 2.0 focuses on improving protection of priority ecosystems, building the financial and operational capacity of co-managers, and deepening community involvement in conservation. The investment also supports climate resilience by funding projects rooted in long-term sustainability and inclusive partnerships.

At the launch, Minister of Sustainable Development Orlando Habet praised the dedication of co-managers and community groups who maintain the system with limited resources. “This is only possible through the hard work and passion of our co-managers, their teams and their community partners. From small community groups to large NGOs, from Maya lands in the south to marine reserves in the north—you are the ones maintaining trails, checking permits, leading education programs, monitoring wildlife, and often doing so with limited support.”

Prime Minister John Briceño said, “It is not something we do when everything else is handled. It is a necessity. When we protect our forests, we protect our water. When we protect our reefs, we protect our coasts and our fisheries. When we protect our biodiversity, we protect our livelihoods, our health, our food, and yes—our nation’s identity.”

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