The dengue epidemic has fortunately been on a downward trend over the past few weeks. Last week, the lowest number of new clinically-confirmed cases since the start of the year, were recorded. But it doesn’t mean we can let our guard down. Director of Health Services Doctor Marvin Manzanero told News Five that there is […]
Did you know that this is the best time of year to get your flu shot? As the rains have poured down the past few days and the expected cooler temperatures lie ahead, now is your best shot at preventing any future debilitating flu. We find out more in tonight’s Healthy Living. Marleni Cuellar, Reporting […]
A lack of anti-retroviral medication is putting lives at risk. If a person with HIV/AIDS does not take the meds as prescribed, it can cause HIV to become resistant to the drugs and the patient will not have treatment options. This week, we have been following reports that there is an acute shortage at the […]
The Ministry of Health is today responding to concerns raised over the importation of generic drugs. Giovanni Brackett, an activist, says the F.D.A. approved drugs are not available and while generic drugs on the local market cannot all be classified as bad, not all are good. Doctor Manzanero, the Director of Health Services says the […]
The People’s United Party is reacting to our report on the shortage of anti-retroviral medication used to treat patients living with HIV/AIDS. The P.U.P. expresses concern over the unavailability of the life-saving meds, blaming the incompetence of the Ministry of Health for the shortage. The P.U.P. has learnt that patients are being turned back due […]
Approximately two thousand delegates, including key policy decision-makers, across all domains of critical care and from over eighty-four countries gathered in Melbourne, Australia last week for the fourteenth World Congress of Intensive Care. Belize forms part of the World Federation of Societies of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine which was established in 1977. Its objective […]
According to Doctor Hidalgo, the five-day congress discussed the issue of diversity to include small countries around the table since their needs are different. The World Federation of Societies of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine is determined to increase its membership is developing and less populated countries. Dr. Jorge Hidalgo, Sec. Gen., W.F.S.I.C.C.M. “The […]
Former President Geovanni Brackett of the Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action, COLA, has gone the solo route as an independent activist and this morning he invited the media to the Radisson for an hour-long press conference. In his live presentation, Brackett took aim squarely at the Ministry of Health for reportedly passing a statutory […]
Brackett referenced a memorandum that was issued in April 2017 giving formal notice for the purchase of pharmaceuticals from designated N.H.I. providers. He openly questions whether there have been studies conducted to test the quality and effectiveness of generic drugs. Geovanni Brackett, Activist/Journalist “This is noted April 1st, 2017 and I will read it, […]
So what informs Brackett’s decision to come out against the Ministry of Health which regulates and oversees the procurement and retail of pharmaceuticals across the country? While it can be written off that the firebrand is batting in favour of big pharma, he says that it’s all about freedom of choice and the ability for […]
While there are reports that only generic meds are being imported, there are also concerns growing among persons living with HIV/AIDS as reports suggest that the anti-retroviral medication have depleted across the country. In effect, there is a shortage of the much needed medication. The Collaborative Network for Persons Living with HIV, also known as […]
Director of CNET+ Diego Grajalez says that he has written to the Ministry of Health and the National AIDS Commission to ascertain what is the issue with the procurement of the vital medication. Grajalez says there is a urgent need for the Ministry and the Commission to address this matter. Diego Grajalez, Director, CNET+ […]
Jogging, cycling, and even walking are considered forms of exercise that can improve your overall health. It is recommended that you should incorporate at least thirty minutes of physical activity five days a week to maintain your health. But if you’re on a weight loss journey, even with a diet, it may not be enough. […]
This week is being dedicated to raise awareness on the importance of vaccines in preventing diseases and protecting public health. Hand hygiene is an easy and effective way to prevent the spread of infections according to the Ministry of Health. News Five’s Hipolito Novelo reports on an activity held today to mark International Infection Prevention […]
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month today the Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children in partnership with the Belize Cancer Society unveiled its 2019 Cancer Awareness Flyer. This year’s photo shoot included six participants who are willing to tell their stories and become advocates. Special Envoy for Women and Children Kim […]
Twenty-nine-year-old Tracy Mackinnon says that the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital is giving her a hard time to settle a claim against the national referral hospital. In May 2017, Mackinnon was admitted to the Emergency Department of the K.H.M.H. after she was experiencing abdominal pain while seven months pregnant. She was later sent to the maternity […]
The original offer was increased to seventeen thousand dollars but the settlement has not been completed as yet. According to Mackinnon, she was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and the K.H.M.H.A. has failed to recognize her diagnosis. Tracy Mackinnon, Complainant “I started to go through that depression and all of that. It is […]
The death of Nestor Vasquez Junior in July following a violent attack inside a holding cell at the Queen Street Police Station, has brought into sharp focus the need for additional support when it comes to dealing with mental health patients. Vasquez was placed inside the cell with a mentally ill person who was taken […]
Vasquez’s family issued a release earlier this week. In the aftermath of death of the sixty-year old and the celebration of World Mental Health Day, the family is asking that G.O.B. “takes decisive action and commits to the establishment of an acute unit at the K.H.M.H. to provide short-term urgent care to persons experiencing an […]
Mental Health manifests itself in various forms and can affect just about everyone, but only ten percent of the population receive mental health care in the country. That is because few people will take time to deal with this health condition. Today, on the occasion of Mental Health Day, the focus is on preventing suicide […]
Statistics show that thirty-one persons in 2018 committed suicide in Belize; the majority were among the youth population and primarily men. To every female suicide death, seven men die. And to every male that attempts to commit suicide, three females have done the same. For 2018, there were three hundred and twenty suicide attempts registered […]
Today we celebrate World Mental Health Day. Several activities were planned in commemoration, including a speech contest we heard about earlier in the newscast. On October, twenty-sixth, the Mental Health Association will host a fundraising banquet and this Saturday, the Welcome Resource Center is hosting its second annual sleep out. In tonight’s Healthy Living, we […]
This week Belize joins the international community in raising importance of mental health. World Mental Health Day will be observed on Thursday under the theme “Working Together to Prevent Suicide”. During this week, several activities have been planned to educate and raise awareness of mental health issues. Leading the charge is the Mental Health Welcome Resource […]
Recently, the more common news reports about the elderly population in Belize have been about crimes where older persons are victims. It is just one of the vulnerabilities that this population faces. After commemorating the International Day of Older Persons on Tuesday, October first, and the launch of the “Front ah the Line” campaign; we […]
The K.H.M.H.A. Board and the K.H.M.H. Workers Union have come to an agreement. The parties were at an impasse over several issues including the union’s demand for the removal of Medical Chief of Staff, Doctor Beatriz Thompson. A statement from the K.H.M.H. reads “The K.H.M.H.A. Board and Union met on Friday, September twenty-seventh where pending […]
