Integrated, multi-disease and intersectoral approaches to combating poverty, controlling neglected diseases and improving community health in Southern Belize

Belize City, November 03 2006 - The Ministry of Health Belize with support from the Pan American Health Organization held a three day workshop (31 October - November 02, 2006) entitled Integrated, multi-disease and intersectoral approaches to combating poverty, controlling neglected diseases and improving community health in Southern Belize. The workshop was an extension of earlier work "Epidemiological Profile of Intestinal Worms in School-age Children in Southern Belize" conducted by the Ministry of Health which showed that school age children in southern Belize had high levels of infection with worms (soil-transmitted helminths). The Ministry of Health working in collaboration with the Ministry of Education plans to implement a deworming program in schools which will significantly improve the health and learning capacity of the children. The workshop was organized to lay the groundwork for deworming while considering how other poverty reduction and health improvement initiatives could also be implemented.

The workshop was launched by the Honorable Jose Coye, Minister of Health, Local Government, Transport and Communications who underscored the GOB's commitment to the project. This was followed by a situational analysis of Stann Creek and Toledo districts by representatives of residents of the communities, NGOs, international organizations and government agencies. Included among the issues were worm infections, culture and health, nutrition and developmental needs. The deliberations continued in petite committees including all stakeholders which identified three key areas for intervention viz reduction of morbidity in school age children using deworming and improvement in nutrition; improvement of Maternal and Child Health and development of sustainable microenterprise.

The findings of the workshop are being used to draft a project proposal to fund the activities which were determined as areas of priorities by the communities. When the draft project is completed it will be taken to the communities in the southern districts for consultations to further ensure that it meets the needs of target populations and alos with the intent to ensure sustainability.