In an effort to combat the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Belize, the Ministry of Health and Wellness officially launched its 'Belize MOVES' initiative yesterday afternoon at Sir George Brown Park in Belmopan. The campaign aims to promote healthier lifestyle habits nationwide. Here are highlights from the launch:
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness
"Belize Moves is more than a program, it is a commitment, a commitment to prevention, a commitment to healthier communities, and a commitment to creating opportunities for every Belizean to live a longer, healthier and more active life. Over the years, Belize has made significant progress in improving the health of our people, yet despite these achievements, non-communicable diseases-heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and hypertension-continue to place a very heavy burden on our families, communities, and our health systems. As highlighted during the Belize Moves workshop this week, NCDs account for approximately 65% of all deaths in our country. Behind each statistic is a mother, a father, a brother, a sister, a friend, or a neighbor whose life has been impacted by preventable illnesses. These realities remind us that health cannot begin only when someone becomes sick, health begins long before that. It begins in our homes, schools, workplaces, and our communities, but it begins with prevention."
Dr. Heather Armstrong, Caribbean Public Health Agency
"Today is another step in the journey which began in Jamaica in 2017, when Jamaica Moves encouraged people to include physical activity, healthy eating, and regular health checks in your daily lives. The campaign's success led CARICOM heads of government in 2018 to expand the module across the region as Caribbean Moves. Since then, several countries such as St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent have joined Jamaica in moving this effort forward. With support from the Caribbean Development Bank, CARPHA was able to turn this regional vision into a framework for a socially inclusive and gender-responsive Caribbean Moves initiative, and this approach brings together different sectors, involves everyone in society, and is meant to last so each member state can create a national Moves program that fits its own context, culture, and needs."
