At the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly in Geneva, Belize is making its voice heard on the global stage. Health Minister Kevin Bernard reaffirmed the country’s strong support for Taiwan and emphasized Belize’s commitment to building a fair and resilient healthcare system. Speaking to delegates from one hundred and ninety-four member states under the theme ‘One World for Health,’ Bernard highlighted the importance of equity, community engagement, and access to quality care for all. He also called for Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Organization, recognizing its valuable contributions to global health innovation and knowledge.
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness
“This year, Belize has made significant strides in expanding digital health, enhancing mental health services, and combating non-communicable diseases. We are improving public health surveillance and emergency preparedness, recognizing that in today’s interconnected world, no country is truly safe unless all are protected. We are also prioritizing the health workforce, investing in training, retention, and supportive environments for the professionals who sustain our health systems. Climate resilience remains a key part of our strategy, particularly as we confront the health impacts of rising temperatures and extreme water events. Mr. President, one World for health must mean access to health, knowledge, innovation, and cooperation for all. In that spirit, Belize emphasizes the importance of international solidarity. We value our collaboration with PAHO, SICA and WHO, which has strengthened our capacity to meet both national and global health goals. Belize also believes that the Global health dialogue must be inclusive. We therefore support the meaningful participation of Taiwan in the World Health Assembly and all the WHO technical meetings. Taiwan’s contributions to global health are significant, and it’s twenty-three million people deserve representation in shaping the global health agenda. In Geneva stands a broken chair, a symbol of incompleteness. With Taiwan’s inclusion, that chair and our global health efforts can finally be made whole.”
