Mexico and Belize observe joint Health Week
It was a busy day at the Karl Heusner Memorial today because not only was the interim board introduced, but this year the opening of the Belize-Mexico Bi-National Health Week was on the hospital grounds instead of being held in Corozal. Official ceremonies were also held in Chetumal, Quintana Roo. Today Mexico and Belize pledged to stand united in promoting better health for citizens on both sides of the border in the years ahead. Janelle Chanona reports.
Errol Vanzie, Director, Health Services
“It has been said that public health is the art of applying science in the context of politics so as to reduce inequalities in health, while ensuring the best health for the greatest number of people. There is much yet to be done in the area of health promotion. Individuals, families and communities need knowledge and skills to keep themselves healthy.”
Despite obvious challenges ahead, the newly appointed Minister of Health promises every effort will be made to improve health care in Belize. The first step will be the Health Sector Reform Program.
Jose Coye, Minister of Health
“This week in particular will be an opportunity for us to review the whole Health Sector Reform Program and indeed how we want to move forward in implementing that reform program. It will bring, certainly great rewards to the beneficiaries. It’s a totally new system of health program that we’re looking at: decentralizing, giving more authority to the administrators in the use of resources. And we’re looking into ensuring that every child, every mother, every father, every adult will have access to health care.”
The Minister also commended the work of Belize health care personnel for their immunization coverage. As part of the opening ceremonies, two children were immunized against polio and Hepatitis B. Janelle Chanona for News Five.
The Secretary of Health of Quintana Roo, Lorenzo Armando Reyes Dorantes said he hoped Belize and Mexico could continue to work together in fighting the diseases affecting our peoples.
