By Belize Live News: The Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) has initiated a technical mission visit in Belize focused on enhancing the surveillance and response to arboviral diseases, including dengue, yellow fever, and Chikungunya. A key component of this mission is a two-day training workshop, launched today with an official opening ceremony attended by PAHO and Ministry of Health & Wellness officials.
The workshop aims to strengthen integrated vector management and surveillance practices for arboviral diseases, which are transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes and other arthropods. Participants, including medical officers, public health inspectors, vector control officers, biostatisticians, and lab personnel, will engage in presentations on PAHO’s latest guidelines for integrated surveillance, discussions on surveillance processes in Belize, and analysis of the country’s laboratory capacity for detecting arboviral diseases.
A major focus of the workshop will be the enhancement of laboratory capacity to diagnose these diseases promptly and accurately. By strengthening the early detection and response capabilities, Belize aims to prevent outbreaks and effectively manage arboviral diseases, protecting the health of its population.
The PAHO/WHO technical mission and workshop represent a significant step in bolstering Belize’s preparedness and response to arboviral diseases. By equipping healthcare professionals with updated knowledge and tools, the country aims to mitigate the impact of these diseases and safeguard public health.
