2024-08-19 - Channel 5 Belize

UNICEF Implements Nutrition-Based Cash Transfer Programme in Southern Belize

UNICEF, with backing from the Government of Korea and in partnership with the Belize Ministry of Health & Wellness, introduced the Cash Plus Nutrition programme in 20 villages in southern Belize. The initiative tackles the issue of hidden hunger, where children suffer from micronutrient deficiencies that lead to stunted growth and developmental delays.

The programme provides families with BZD$200.00 monthly via the Digi Wallet mobile app to help them purchase necessary groceries.

Dominga, a mother of nine from the remote village of Machakilha, has benefited significantly from the programme. The financial support has enabled her to better feed her children, who have shown improved weight and activity levels.

The programme also focuses on nutrition education, with mothers participating in counselling sessions to learn healthier cooking methods and recipes. Community health workers conducted practical cooking demonstrations and lactation coaching to enhance the families’ food preparation skills.

Epidemiological Alert Issued in Mexico for Mpox (Monkeypox) Outbreak

On 14 August 2024, Mexico’s Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica (SINAVE) issued an epidemiological alert regarding the recent rise in Mpox (Monkeypox) cases in the Africa Region, specifically related to Clade I. This alert follows a global increase in cases during the outbreak.

SINAVE highlighted the increased risk of Mpox cases in Mexico due to global outbreaks, especially in Africa, where population movement is high. According to SINAVE’s report, there have been 7,385 reported cases of Mpox in Mexico since 2022, with 4,130 confirmed. From 1 January to 5 August 2024, 212 cases were reported, 49 of which were confirmed across 11 states, with no fatalities confirmed. The report outlines the distribution of these cases across Mexico, with the state of Quintana Roo having the most cases confirmed.

The 49 cases are not related to the new subvariant, Clade 1b, spreading in Africa, which WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern on August 14.

A probable case is any individual, regardless of age or gender, who exhibits symptoms like fever, muscle pain, headache, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, joint pain, or lower back pain accompanied by one or more lesions, such as macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, or scabs.

Mexican health officials urged continued vigilance, strict adherence to current epidemiological surveillance protocols and prompt reporting to manage the outbreak effectively.

BAPDA Supports E-Buses, Criticizes Resistance from Traditional Bus Operators

Private bus operators in Belize City continue raising concerns about how the new electric buses are affecting their businesses. Arthur Saldivar, attorney for City Shuttle Limited, Lopez Bus, and Lemoth and Sons, claims his clients are struggling financially due to the e-buses’ ‘competitive pricing.’

In an interview with News 5 on Friday, Saldivar criticised the price changes of the e-buses, which he claims now compete directly with the private sector. He stated, “They have slashed prices to be in direct competition with the private sector operators.”

In response, the Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities (BAPDA) has expressed support for the new electric buses. In a press release dated August 17, 2024, BAPDA praised the e-bus initiative for improving accessibility and service for persons with disabilities. BAPDA criticised the existing bus operators for their resistance to fleet improvements saying, “For many years, the city and district buses were asked to improve their fleet, to upgrade, to become more safety aware and to offer better services to their commuters and, for years, they have resisted, found fault with and basically ignored all warnings, edicts, proposal to do better.”

BAPDA noted that despite minor issues, the new electric buses are already a significant improvement, stating, “There are minor kinks to work out but they are running and better serving the community of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and, for that, we are highly appreciative.”