A Revised National Mental Health Policy for Belize
The Ministry of Health & Wellness, PAHO, the World Health Organization and the European Union formally introduced an updated National Mental Health Policy in Belize earlier today. The launch took place at the Best Western Biltmore Hotel here in Belize City. On hand were several government officials, as well as PAHO’s Representative in Belize. News Five’s Isani Cayetano reports.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
Promoting and protecting the human rights of individuals living with mental health conditions, recognizing their inherent dignity, and prioritizing the importance of their well-being is the primary focus of an updated National Mental Health Policy for Belize. The last time this document was revised was in 2008.
Melissa Diaz-Musa
Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Director of Public Health & Wellness
“Mental health is a subject of paramount importance, once that transcends cultures and ethnicities, age, gender and backgrounds It touches the lives of us all in very meaningful ways and in recognition of this, we are here this morning to ensure that we work towards a more compassionate and a more inclusive society. This policy is the result of countless hours of work, research and consultations. It is truly a testament to the ministry’s commitment to the welfare of our people and underscores the importance of reducing stigma, promoting awareness through education and ensuring accessible and effective mental health services.”
Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell is the country representative for PAHO and the World Health Organization. The revised policy is an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the European Union and PAHO/WHO.
Karen Lewis-Bell
Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell, PAHO/WHO Country Representative
“Mental health is an essential part of health and wellbeing, as stated clearly in the WHO’s definition of health and as highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health conditions cover a wide range of diagnoses, many of which were not traditionally considered by the general public as mental health issues. Persons have been more familiar with the psychotic conditions, like schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, severe depression and others in which affected persons may sometimes become disruptive and aggressive. Therefore, persons diagnosed with mental health conditions are often stigmatized, socially excluded and otherwise mistreated.”
The updated policy ensures alignment with current international best practices from PAHO/WHO’s Plan of Action on Mental Health 2013-2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. This aims to reduce a third of the premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promoting mental health and wellbeing by 2030.
Kevin Bernard
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness
“We are here today because we believe that mental health is not a peripheral concern, it is a human right, as essential as the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The global challenges of the past few years have underscored the importance of mental health. Our nation, like many others, has faced the trials of a worldwide pandemic, economic upheaval and social destruction. Our resilience has been tested and it has become abundantly clear that mental services are not just desirable, they are indispensable.”
Although there has not been any epidemiological study on mental health conducted in the country, between the period 2018-2021, three mental health diagnostic categories were recorded through the Belize Health Information System.
Fidel Cuellar
Dr. Fidel Cuellar, Deputy Dir., Health & Wellness
“The vision of this mental health policy is to provide comprehensive, integrated, community-based mental health service that is responsive to local needs and circumstances. Now this is very ambitious because what we are saying is that no matter where you are or who you are, it is your right to receive the best integrated, culturally appropriate care possible, no matter where you are and we are committed to try to do that.”
Isani Cayetano for News Five.
