The Central Medical Laboratory in Belize has officially reopened after undergoing major retrofitting, thanks to a partnership between the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the European Union (EU), and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW).
With an investment of over USD$800,000, the lab was transformed into a climate-resilient “Smart Health Care Facility,” improving safety, energy efficiency, and functionality. Upgrades included air quality systems, safety showers, green energy features, flood protection, and restored fire-damaged areas, expanding its working space by 50 percent.
Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell of PAHO/WHO called the project “a major step forward for public health in Belize,” while EU Ambassador Dr. Erja Eskola praised the collaboration as a reflection of shared values and a commitment to better healthcare.
Health Minister Kevin Bernard noted that the improvements go beyond infrastructure, highlighting efforts to strengthen staffing and service protocols. The lab is one of six health facilities upgraded under the EU-funded Health Sector Support Programme, one of Belize’s largest health investments to date.
Solar panels worth over USD$318,000 will soon be installed to boost energy resilience, helping the lab maintain operations during power outages or natural disasters.