🇧🇿 Belize News

We need Prayer warriors for Baby Liam as he battles cancer

By Zoila Palma: The family and friends of Baby Liam is seeking the public’s assistance and prayer warriors to keep Baby Liam in your prayers. “It is heartbreaking to see how incredibly fast and aggressively this cancerous tumor has been progressing. Just three weeks ago, Liam was a strong, healthy, happy little boy with no […] The post We need Prayer warriors for Baby Liam as he battles cancer appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital welcomes new medical interns

By Zoila Palma: Today, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital is proud to welcome 13 enthusiastic orientees as part of the Ministry of Health and Wellness’s Medical Internship Program. This one-year intensive training program is designed to prepare recently graduated medical doctors for safe and independent medical practice in Belize. For the next few months, the […] The post Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital welcomes new medical interns appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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Opposition Leader calls for transparency and accountability in National Health Insurance rollout

By Zoila Palma: Opposition Leader Tracy Panton has called for transparency and accountability in the rollout of National Health Insurance (NHI), while emphasizing the need to maintain and strengthen public healthcare facilities across Belize. Addressing healthcare during her Independence Day speech, Panton said national health insurance could support Belize’s progress toward universal coverage but stressed […] The post Opposition Leader calls for transparency and accountability in National Health Insurance rollout appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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Belize launches Wellness Week 2026 to promote healthier communities and lifestyles

By Zoila Palma: The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), in collaboration with national, regional, and international partners, officially launched Wellness Week 2026 on September 22 under the theme “Promoting Health, Transforming Environments.” The observance comes as Belize holds the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Central American Integration System (SICA), joining regional efforts to promote […] The post Belize launches Wellness Week 2026 to promote healthier communities and lifestyles appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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International News: World Health Organization warns of growing Global Health worker shortage as workforce ages

By Zoila Palma: The World Health Organization (WHO) is warning of a growing global health workforce gap in the 2030s, as both patients and healthcare workers age. The WHO said Friday that about one-quarter of doctors worldwide are expected to retire within the next decade, contributing to a projected shortage of 11.1 million health workers […] The post International News: World Health Organization warns of growing Global Health worker shortage as workforce ages appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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Orange Walk North, BDF and Ministry of Health partner for National Service Day Clean up campaign

By Zoila Palma: Today, Area Representative for Orange Walk North Ramon Cervantes partnered with the Belize Defence Force, health workers from the Ministry of Health & Wellness and the Trial Farm Village Council for a clean-up campaign. “Today, we commemorate National Service Day in honour of the legacy of Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, Father […] The post Orange Walk North, BDF and Ministry of Health partner for National Service Day Clean up campaign appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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International News: Pan American Health Organization warns strengthening El Niño could bring growing health risks across Americas

By Zoila Palma: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is warning of increasing health risks across the Americas as El Niño continues to strengthen, with significant impacts possible in the coming months. In its first regional situation report on the phenomenon, PAHO noted that the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates there is […] The post International News: Pan American Health Organization warns strengthening El Niño could bring growing health risks across Americas appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital marks 31 years of service with expanded units

By Zoila Palma: The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) is celebrating 31 years of service to Belize, highlighting the doctors, nurses, physical therapists and support staff who continue to provide critical healthcare to patients from across the country. Anniversary activities began with a church service and include raffles, giveaways and fellowship, with the celebrations culminating […] The post Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital marks 31 years of service with expanded units appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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International News: New breast cancer treatment combination approved by FDA

By Zoila Palma: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new treatment combination for adults with a type of advanced or metastatic breast cancer, including Stage IV disease. The combination of Inluriyo and Verzenio is intended for patients whose tumors are estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, HER2-negative and carry an ESR1 mutation, and whose […] The post International News: New breast cancer treatment combination approved by FDA appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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Belize remains on US major drug transit list

By Zoila Palma: Belize has been named among 23 countries designated by the United States as major drug transit or major illicit drug-producing countries for Fiscal Year 2027, according to a presidential determination submitted to Congress on September 15, 2026. The list also includes Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Bolivia, Burma, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican […] The post Belize remains on US major drug transit list appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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International News: US removes Venezuela from drug control failure list, Trump says

By Zoila Palma: The United States has removed Venezuela from its list of countries that have “failed demonstrably” to meet drug-control commitments, marking the first time in more than 20 years that Venezuela has been removed from the designation. Today, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the decision in a presidential determination published by the State […] The post International News: US removes Venezuela from drug control failure list, Trump says appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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International News: Fiji declares National HIV emergency as cases surge, fueled in part by drug use

By Zoila Palma: The Pacific island nation of Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency as health authorities confront a sharp increase in infections, with intravenous drug use, unsafe sex and stigma identified among the factors contributing to the growing crisis. Health officials estimate that one in every 60 adults in the country of fewer […] The post International News: Fiji declares National HIV emergency as cases surge, fueled in part by drug use appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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Sugar production nearly cut in half as Government pumps millions into pest and disease fight

By Breaking Belize News Staff: Prime Minister John Briceño says Belize’s sugar industry is facing one of its most serious recent challenges, with sugar production nearly halved compared with three years ago because of Fusarium disease and a growing mealybug infestation. Briceño said Government has allocated $5 million to combat the mealybug and another $3 […] The post Sugar production nearly cut in half as Government pumps millions into pest and disease fight appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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Prime Minister: $324 million in capital investments to target health, education and citizen protection

By Zoila Palma: Prime Minister John Briceño says the Government of Belize will disburse $324 million in capital investments during the 2026 fiscal year, targeting critical sectors including infrastructure, healthcare, education and citizen protection. During the Prime Minister’s 2026 State of the Nation Address, the PM said that the investments will be distributed across several […] The post Prime Minister: $324 million in capital investments to target health, education and citizen protection appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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Police suspect drug link in murder of Jose Luis ‘Bones’ Sosa in Orange Walk

By Breaking Belize News Staff: Police believe the weekend murder of Orange Walk resident Jose Luis “Bones” Sosa may have been drug-related and are seeking several persons as part of the investigation. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, Head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, said Sosa was lying in a hammock at a building […] The post Police suspect drug link in murder of Jose Luis ‘Bones’ Sosa in Orange Walk appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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People’s National Party calls on Government to retain Cuban doctors

By Zoila Palma: The People’s National Party (PNP) is calling on the Government of Belize to take immediate steps to retain Cuban medical professionals currently serving in country, following a strategic consultation held on Friday, September 11, 2026. PNP Leader Wil Maheia met with former Ambassador Dylan Vernon and former Ambassador and Minister of Foreign […] The post People’s National Party calls on Government to retain Cuban doctors appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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17-year-old escapes police at clinic, found hiding in craboo tree

By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): Police have recaptured a 17-year-old detainee after he reportedly escaped from lawful custody while receiving medical attention in Independence Village on Sunday. According to police, the teenager was being held at the Independence Police Station in connection with a theft investigation when officers escorted him to the Independence Polyclinic […] The post 17-year-old escapes police at clinic, found hiding in craboo tree appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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International News: PAHO estimates Health worker shortage of up to 2 million in Latin America and Caribbean by 2030

By Zoila Palma: The Caribbean is facing growing challenges in training, recruiting and retaining healthcare workers, with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) estimating that Latin America and the Caribbean could face a shortage of between 600,000 and 2 million health professionals by 2030 if current trends continue. The warning comes as countries across the […] The post International News: PAHO estimates Health worker shortage of up to 2 million in Latin America and Caribbean by 2030 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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International News: Pan American Health Organization and University of the West Indies strengthen Health Leadership across the Caribbean

By Zoila Palma: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and The University of the West Indies (UWI) have graduated the third cohort of their joint Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate in Health Policy and Health Systems, an initiative aimed at strengthening health leadership and policymaking capacity across the Caribbean. Launched in 2022 through a partnership with […] The post International News: Pan American Health Organization and University of the West Indies strengthen Health Leadership across the Caribbean appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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International News: U.S. Secretary of State says U.S. will not act against Latin American drug traffickers without allies’ approval

By Zoila Palma: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that the United States will not conduct military operations against narcotics traffickers in Latin American countries without the approval of its regional allies. Rubio made the comments during a visit to Peru, where he met with President Keiko Fujimori as Washington seeks to strengthen […] The post International News: U.S. Secretary of State says U.S. will not act against Latin American drug traffickers without allies’ approval appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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Ministry of Health expands youth outreach on tobacco and alcohol prevention

By Zoila Palma: The Ministry of Health and Wellness, through the National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC), is continuing its nationwide efforts to prevent tobacco and alcohol use among young people and promote healthier communities, in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The initiative recently reached the Cayo District, where Youth Forums were […] The post Ministry of Health expands youth outreach on tobacco and alcohol prevention appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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Police, Ministry of Health launch Road-safety drive in Corozal to combat drunk driving

By Zoila Palma: Community Policing personnel, together with the Regional Patrol Unit (RPU), Traffic Police Unit (TPU), National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC), and Ministry of Health, conducted an awareness campaign in Corozal Town today. As part of the campaign, officers conducted a checkpoint and distributed approximately 500 informational flyers reminding motorists and members of […] The post Police, Ministry of Health launch Road-safety drive in Corozal to combat drunk driving appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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Government enacts new Occupational Safety and Health Act

By Zoila Palma: The Government of Belize has enacted the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2026, introducing a modern legal framework aimed at strengthening the protection of workers and improving safety, health and welfare standards in workplaces across the country. The legislation, enacted and gazetted on September 9, repeals the longstanding Factories Act and replaces […] The post Government enacts new Occupational Safety and Health Act appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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University of Belize School of Medicine holds 1st White Coat Ceremony

By Zoila Palma: The University of Belize School of Medicine (UBSoM) marked a significant milestone in the development of Belize’s medical education with the hosting of its first-ever White Coat Ceremony at the University of Belize Conference Centre on the Belmopan Campus. The ceremony held on September 8 celebrated seven medical students as they transition from […] The post University of Belize School of Medicine holds 1st White Coat Ceremony appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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Caught leaving a known drug base: 21 year old busted with suspected cocaine

By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): A 21 year old labourer of San Jose Village has been charged with possession of controlled drugs following a foot patrol on Sunday night. Police say officers were on foot patrol in the village around 11pm when an officer’s attention was drawn to a man coming out of a […] The post Caught leaving a known drug base: 21 year old busted with suspected cocaine appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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Police say no extra officers deployed to Cayo despite drug tensions; technology and intelligence driving operations

By Breaking Belize News Staff: The Belize Police Department says it has not deployed additional officers to Western Belize in response to recent drug-related violence, arguing that sustained operations and increased use of technology are already underway in the area. ASP Stacy Smith said police have been concentrating operational resources in Cayo for some time […] The post Police say no extra officers deployed to Cayo despite drug tensions; technology and intelligence driving operations appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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Ranchito woman charged with drug trafficking and obstruction after allegedly tossing crack cocaine when police arrive

By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 38-year-old Ranchito Village woman has been charged after police say she threw away suspected crack cocaine when officers arrived at her home with a search warrant. Police have charged Sandra Pineda with possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply as well as obstruction. ASP Stacy Smith said officers […] The post Ranchito woman charged with drug trafficking and obstruction after allegedly tossing crack cocaine when police arrive appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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Youths trained to promote healthier school communities

By Zoila Palma: Twenty-eight high school students and 10 teachers are now better equipped to promote healthy lifestyles among their peers following a Nutrition Youth Advocate training session held on Friday, August 28. The initiative was organized by the Ministry of Health and Wellness in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, UNICEF […] The post Youths trained to promote healthier school communities appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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International News: Ecuador defends U.S. sinkings of vessels in joint anti-drug operation

By Zoila Palma: Ecuador has defended U.S. operations that intercepted and sank three Ecuadorean vessels this week, saying the actions were part of joint investigations targeting maritime drug trafficking. Ecuadorian Interior Minister John Reimberg said the vessels were allegedly being used as floating refueling stations to support speedboats transporting drugs north toward Mexico and the […] The post International News: Ecuador defends U.S. sinkings of vessels in joint anti-drug operation appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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Drugs and security high on Bauer’s agenda as new U.S. Ambassador takes up Belize post

By Breaking Belize News Staff: Combating drug trafficking and improving public safety will be among the major priorities for newly arrived United States Ambassador to Belize André Bauer. Bauer said Friday that President Donald Trump sent him to Belize with a message centered on “safety, security and opportunities” for both countries. Asked specifically about narcotics […] The post Drugs and security high on Bauer’s agenda as new U.S. Ambassador takes up Belize post appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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Minister of Health and Wellness: “We are trying to attract medical professionals to come to Belize”

By Zoila Palma: Minister of Health and Wellness Kevin Bernard says the Government continues to work to fill vacancies within the public health system, as Belize faces competition from the private sector for nurses and other medical professionals. Bernard said the Ministry has been actively advertising available positions and encouraging professionals to join the public […] The post Minister of Health and Wellness: “We are trying to attract medical professionals to come to Belize” appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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Investing in healthcare: $2.5 million scholarship program supports 68 Belizeans

By Zoila Palma: Sixty-eight Belizeans pursuing higher education in health-related fields have been awarded scholarships through a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and several tertiary-level institutions. The scholarship recipients, who have signed bonds with the Government of Belize, will receive […] The post Investing in healthcare: $2.5 million scholarship program supports 68 Belizeans appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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International News: New study warn alcohol could account for more cancer deaths

By Zoila Palma: A new US study is raising fresh concerns about the link between alcohol consumption and cancer, finding that the proportion of cancer deaths attributable to alcohol has doubled among people aged 20 and older over the past 33 years. Researchers analyzed more than three decades of data from the Global Burden of […] The post International News: New study warn alcohol could account for more cancer deaths appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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Ministry of Health encourages Belizeans to wear yellow for suicide prevention awareness

By Zoila Palma: The Ministry of Health and Wellness is encouraging Belizeans to wear yellow on Friday, September 4, 2026, as part of efforts to raise awareness and show support for World Suicide Prevention Day. The initiative aims to promote conversations about suicide prevention, encourage support for those who may be struggling, and remind communities […] The post Ministry of Health encourages Belizeans to wear yellow for suicide prevention awareness appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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Belize looking to Honduras for doctors as future of Cuban Medical Brigade remains uncertain

Belize may recruit doctors from Honduras while it waits to learn the fate of the Cuban Medical Brigade. Prime Minister John Briceño told reporters on Wednesday that his government is still working to determine what happens to the Cuban mission, which has long supported the country's health services. Hiring Honduran physicians is one option under review as officials look for ways to keep care running.

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Ministry of Health and Wellness extends condolences on passing of Milagro Garel

By Zoila Palma: The Ministry of Health and Wellness has joined in extending its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Milagro Garel, as well as the World Pediatrics community. “Garel dedicated many years to supporting Belizean children and families through her work with World Pediatrics, helping to expand access to specialized medical […] The post Ministry of Health and Wellness extends condolences on passing of Milagro Garel appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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PAHO backs new push to improve medicine safety across Belize

By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): The Ministry of Health and Wellness held a two day workshop in Belize City on strengthening post market surveillance of the quality and safety of medicines and vaccines. The workshop took place at the Grand Resort Hotel with technical cooperation from the Pan American Health Organization. Participants included the […] The post PAHO backs new push to improve medicine safety across Belize appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com .

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