By Belize Live News Staff: The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Belize have signed loan agreements totaling $27 million to enhance healthcare services and boost urban development.
The agreements were signed on Friday by IDB Executive Vice President Jordan Schwartz and Belize Prime Minister John Briceño during a climate change conference in San Pedro.
“The IDB is proud to support Belize in two critical sectors, improving the efficiency, quality, and access of healthcare services and enhancing an infrastructure and urban development program that will boost tourism and economic growth,” Schwartz said.
The $17.36 million healthcare program aims to strengthen primary healthcare, focusing on areas such as reproductive health, non-communicable diseases, and emergency services. It will also address the needs of vulnerable groups, including migrants, indigenous people, and women experiencing violence.
The $10 million urban development program will improve access to urban services and infrastructure in northern municipalities, benefiting an estimated 40,000 residents.
Prime Minister Briceño said the agreements were “important steps in the Government’s plan to develop Belize.” He added that investments in healthcare and urban development would “enhance the quality of life of our citizens” and lead to a “healthier, more resilient, and prosperous Belize.”
The IDB is a leading source of development financing for Latin America and the Caribbean. The programs signed on Friday were approved by the IDB Board of Directors in May and June and by Belize’s National Assembly in July.
