Belize Strengthens Public Health Resilience with e-SPAR

Belize stepped up its efforts to protect public health with a key new assessment that strengthens the country’s ability to respond to emergencies. By completing the 2024 e-SPAR under the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005), Belize has taken a big leap forward in ensuring its health security.

The initiative is supported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW). It is designed to strengthen Belize’s capacity to prevent, identify, and tackle public health risks.

“This workshop plays a key role in developing a comprehensive national action plan that contributes to Belize’s health security and broader global health,” said Dr. Ana De La Garza, PAHO/WHO Technical Advisor. The process helps identify gaps in Belize’s health system and strengthens emergency management capacities.

The workshop implemented the One Health framework, collaborating with stakeholders from health, agriculture, environment, and security to reflect the connection between human, animal, and environmental health in building a more resilient public health system.