Belize Boosts Support for Community Health Workers with New Training and Resources

Community health workers (CHWs) in Belize play a crucial role in providing essential healthcare services, particularly in remote communities where access to immediate medical care can be challenging. Recognising the growing reliance on CHWs as communities expand, the Ministry of Health and its partners have launched an updated Community Health Workers Manual and a new job aid tool. The revised manual, which addresses gaps in areas such as maternal and child health, mental health, environmental health, and nutrition, was developed with input from community health workers and other stakeholders.

To further support CHWs, the government has also increased their monthly stipend to $500 and introduced a portable flipbook to help them access information in the field. Minister of Health and Wellness, Kevin Bernard, highlighted plans to equip CHWs with digital tools like tablets and to develop an operational monitoring and evaluation plan to ensure effective and responsive healthcare services.

UNICEF and ODA Korea are key supporters of this initiative, providing funding and expertise. Dr. Olusola Oladeji from UNICEF emphasised the importance of expanding the scope of CHWs’ work, especially given their critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlighted the need for ongoing training and support to enhance their capabilities.