Nine Chinese-Belizeans remain quarantined at home tonight as medical authorities continue to monitor them for symptoms of the deadly SARS virus. Contrary to what we reported on our newscast last night, it now appears that the quarantined family members are dual nationals of Belize and the People’s Republic of China, and not Taiwan. They are […]
Belize’s rapid reaction to the global outbreak of the deadly SARS virus was, at the time, considered by many to be overly aggressive. Today, with the announcement that nine Belizeans, believed to the dual nationals of Taiwan or Mainland China, have been quarantined, the question arises as to whether the policy may have been too […]
One of the most radical changes in Belizean life over the last decade has come in the field of medical care. While there are many advanced procedures, which remain unavailable here, that number appears to shrink every week. Patrick Jones reports on the latest developments. Patrick Jones, Reporting Lack of technology and expertise has seriously […]
The war against the AIDS pandemic is being fought on many battle fields, but after nearly twenty years of effort, no magic bullet has been found on any, be it treatment, cure or prevention. But some progress is being made and today a prominent member of the private sector was enlisted on the educational front. […]
On yesterday’s newscast I examined the stress-busting powers of massage and aromatherapy. Tonight, I take it to the next level with the ancient Chinese art of acupuncture. Janelle Chanona “Hi…nice to meet you.” Annie Yu “My name is Annie.” Janelle Chanona “Janelle. And you’re the acupuncturist.” Annie Yu “So what I’m going to do is […]
It was the kind of a bizarre medical emergency that is every mother’s worst nightmare. And in the case of Sandra Lewis, not only did she have to cope with the grim reality of a pin stuck in her son’s throat, but the added burden of not having the money to have it removed. Over […]
It was never fully explained why the SARS virus should have barred citizens of India from entering Belize in the first place, but as of today that ban has been lifted. According to an update issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the only four territories whose citizens will not be issued visas to visit […]
Today is World Health Day, one of those dates on the calendar that is supposed to arbitrarily prompt us to think and act on a subject that does not always come to mind. But this year’s observance, which focuses on children, is especially relevant to Belize, where, on almost a weekly basis, we seem to […]
Were it not for the war now raging across Iraq, it would be dominating the headlines of every country in the world. But the fact that the spread of a mysterious and deadly disease is being overshadowed in the media does not make it any less of a threat. Today I checked with medical authorities […]
There’s no denying that health care in Belize has come a long way, but by all accounts, there’s still a ways left to go. As the medical community continues to import the latest in technology and fine tune their professional skills, of vital importance is the sharing of information with their counterparts from the rest […]
A bizarre incident two weeks ago at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital turned a visit with a loved one into a life and death drama. According to hospital authorities, on Saturday, March fifteenth, a young HIV positive woman receiving treatment at the K.H.M.H., was visiting with several members of her family and friends when, without […]
It’s a medical condition that is a growing problem worldwide…and for one Belize City family, the dangerous reality that is asthma has left them in mourning. News 5’s Jacqueline Woods reports on the death of a teenager that, by all accounts, did not have to happen. Jacqueline Woods, Reporting The family believes Monday’s hot weather […]
Medical supplies valued at more than thirty thousand dollars have been donated to the Southern Regional Hospital. The contribution is part of a larger consignment of equipment received by the Belize City Council from the Honorary Consul of Belize in New Orleans, Jean Bernard, and the International Hospital for Children. According to Belize City Deputy […]
With a fondness for sugar and sweets almost unequalled anywhere on the planet, Belizeans are prime targets for tooth decay. But today I had the opportunity to witness the unveiling of the latest weapon in the fight against cavities. Janelle Chanona, Reporting According to local health authorities, on average, every day five Belizeans are unable […]
In the constant struggle to educate Belizeans about the deadly virus called HIV, one of the hardest things to do is convince HIV. positive men and women into talking publicly about prevention and living with the disease. The experts agree that sharing experiences can serve as a crucial wake-up call to everyone at risk. In […]
If you are acquainted with anyone who has suffered kidney failure, then you know that the unfortunate victim has two choices: go abroad for regular dialysis treatments or stay home and die. As of last week, however, the prognosis for Belizean kidney patients has markedly improved…thanks to a new service offered by a Belize City […]
In 2002, four hundred and thirty-one people living in Belize tested positive for HIV, but authorities suspect there could be thousands more, totally unaware of their status. To encourage Belizeans to get tested, this morning the Ministry of Health officially opened the first voluntary counselling and testing centre located on the Cleopatra White compound on […]
Traditionally, mental health care in Belize has been an issue scarred by images of “crazy” people locked off from society, first at Sea View and more recently at Rock View. Determined to change that mentality, this afternoon Minister of Health Jose Coye and Prime Minister Said Musa presided over the ceremonial ground breaking for a […]
There are few senses more precious than that of sight. The next story spotlights the work of one Belizean organisation that has helped thousands of people to see better, and thanks to continued investments in technology and networking, is actually reversing the process of blindness. Brent Toombs, Reporting Today, this is how the world looks […]
Although results of blood samples from a Bullet Tree man who died yesterday are not yet back from the lab, medical authorities say the symptoms suggest that the cause of death could have been Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. The man, whose identity has not been released by authorities, reportedly checked into a hospital in neighbouring Melchor […]
It’s the kind of story that usually shows up on U.S. TV programmes like “Ripley’s Believe it or not”. Well tonight we bring you the homegrown version of a very “Candid Camera”. News 5’s Jacqueline Woods has the details. Jacqueline Woods, Reporting One-year-old Isaac Herrera was at a neighbours’ house when he accidentally swallowed a […]
While Belize’s medical capabilities have grown tremendously in both size and sophistication, there are still a large number of procedures that cannot be handled locally. Today, News 5’s Jacqueline Woods looked in on one patient who needs your help to receive care abroad. Jacqueline Woods, Reporting Three months ago, one-year-old Lashawn Gladden was drinking her […]
It’s a story–and not always a happy one–that News 5’s Jacqueline Woods has been following for years. Today, however, was a good day for Belizeans facing cancer. Jacqueline Woods “Kim, I know your mom worked really long and hard for the cancer hospice. Now that her dream is now being realised, how does the family […]
Dealing with the AIDS crisis takes place on many levels. While major efforts focus on education for prevention, steps are also being taken to improve the effectiveness of treatment. News 5’s Jacqueline Woods sat in on one session this morning that trained lab technicians on a new device that will prolong Belizean lives. Jacqueline Woods, […]
We’ll never know if the seriously ill patient brought to the emergency room at the K.H.M.H. early Sunday morning would have survived if his reception had been different. But whatever the answer, no one could say that he didn’t deserve the chance. News 5’s Jacqueline Woods reports on the latest disturbing controversy at the nation’s […]
