NCDs are a Priority at the Ministry of Health and Wellness

Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa

Non-communicable diseases are among the top three causes of death in Belize.  Diabetes, hypertension, as well as cancer and now, mental health are among the top NCDs affecting the country. Director of Health Services, Doctor Melissa Diaz-Musa says that the Ministry of Health and Wellness has not lost sight of this and they are continuously working to address this situation.

Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Director of Health Services, MOHW

“How can we do more in terms of exercising or even at the workplace, getting up and walking around a little bit more. So it is healthy habits that we are trying to drive home – that goal for us to ensure that we all take on these healthier habits in order to reduce NCDs. Definitely, we do have increases in many of the NCDs like diabetes and hypertension. We are monitoring cancer, of course mental health is also a non-communicable disease so these are areas that we are really closely focusing on and working with partners as well in order for us to do different initiatives – doing more outreach, going out into the public – to ensure that we are able to reduce these numbers because definitely NCDs continue to be one of our main problems and issues in our country and continues to be one of the top three causes of death for our population.”