Ministry of Health Outlines Comprehensive Response to Ebola Threat

Peter Allen

The immediate implementation of those new immigration policies is one prong of G.O.B.’s preparation for the threat of Ebola. The Ministry of Health, in the face of Thursday’s wake up call, has also been forced to step up their game. The reality is that even the superpower U.S.A. has been caught off guard by Ebola, so it’s not like Belize can realistically claim full readiness. But there are some steps being taken in the short term, and Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Health Peter Allen says the response to the threat is evolving.

Peter Allen, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Health

“A screening form for all passengers has been developed and is being implemented and an isolation facility is being provided at the Phillip Goldson International Airport for further screening for passengers who may be considered at some risk due to the surveillance forms. The Ministry of Health has provided a Hotline and the hotline is 629-5604 and we are working with B.T.L. to provide a toll free number as soon as possible to assist in this capacity. We have developed a rapid response team to follow up on places and we have received permission already to hire another ten Public Health inspectors to strengthen our response at the border and points of entry. We have prepared a team for contact tracing and they will be available immediately to contact anybody who shows up on the surveillance issues. We are providing further treatments, further advice on treatment and infection control. Our own guidelines are being constantly reviewed. We have identified sites were isolation may be used if possible. We have our own healthcare team here, again, Dr. Figueroa and Dr. Manzanero to answer any questions. The personal protection equipment kits that we have are those that were purchased for H1N1. They can be used in this instance but they are not ideal, the ideal personal protective equipment that is recommended by the World Health Organization not available in the very short term and so we have sent in the procurement request for those kits. Dr. Dicosio will probably be able to tell you how long that procurement time will be. But in the meantime we will make sure that our people have all the protective equipment that is available.”