While PAHO continues to celebrate 120 years of providing technical cooperation for Health within the Americas, PAHO in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness launched its very first "Healthy Lifestyle Caravan '' in the Cayo district today. With an objective to facilitate health services to persons living in situations of vulnerability and limited access to medical care, while targeting the impact of NCD's in Belize. PAHO representative Dr. Karen Bell Lewis, and A community Healthcare worker shared further details at the launch.
Dr. Karen Lewis Bell, PAHO/WHO Representative
"And we're here to officially kick off this groundbreaking Healthy Lifestyle Caravan Initiative to promote health and well -being. As a first stop on our journey to all six districts and the cayes, this initiative holds a promise of facilitating improvement in the health landscape of Belize."
"The launch of the Healthy Lifestyle Caravan Initiative marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to improving the well -being of the Belizean population with a specific focus on persons living in situations of vulnerability and with barriers or limited access to health services."
"In recent years, the region of the Americas has faced an increasing burden of non -communicable diseases or what we call NCDs for short, which are now the leading cause of death in many countries. High blood pressure or hypertension, diabetes, or what some people may call sugar, heart disease, cancer, chronic kidney disease, etc. have been contributing to high rates of illness and death in Belizeans, particularly those residing in rural areas where specialist services may not be as readily available. This initiative is focused on community engagement, education, empowerment, screening, and early intervention."
"We aim to raise awareness about the importance of healthy lifestyles from nutrition to physical activity and seeking care early. We will provide comprehensive health education sessions on the prevention of non -communicable diseases and the risks associated with heart disease, cancer, diabetes."
"Equally important is our commitment to providing health screenings, identifying individuals who may be at risk and in need of referral in order to promote early detection and care for the NCDs."
Juan Tzots, Community Healthcare Worker
"My name is Juan Tzots and I am the community health worker for Franks Eddy Village."
"Community health worker are trust members in our communities and we provide culturally appropriate health education and information. We support our communities members so they can get the basic aid they need."
"With the training received we can provide informal counseling and guide on positive health behaviors. Very importantly we advocate for individuals and community health needs because we form part of our communities to understand what they needs are."
"We can provide some direct services such as first aid and basic screening. You see us often assisting in taking members blood pressure and sugar. Also CHW help in maternal and child health services by educating on vaccination. Prenatal care for women and access to family planning. Another area we support is the prevention of non -communicable disease. So you will see us promote the importance of health eating and physical activities."
The "Healthy Lifestyle Caravan" will be making its way through all six districts offering basic health screenings and other medical services.
