Visit of Sir George Alleyne to Belize

The Director Emeritus of the Pan American Health Organization and Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Sir George Alleyne, visited Belize on December 06- 08 2006 to present the urgency to address serious public health concerns affecting Belize and the Caribbean region.

Dr. Alleyne was the special guest of a series of meetings held with the Government of Belize and the University of the West Indies in Belize.

Dr. Alleyne, who was an integral part of the Caribbean Commission on Health and Development, delivered a report on the findings of the Commission as a part of his presentation to all CARICOM countries. He also gave a presentation to Cabinet entitled "Primary Health Care, History and Lessons for Belize".

As part of his visit, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization hosted a one day symposium entitled "Renewing the Commitment to Primary Health Care: Focus on Prevention of Chronic, Non-Communicable Diseases" on 8th December, 2006 at the Radisson Fort George Hotel, Belize City.

The objective of the symposium was to discuss the findings of the Caribbean Commission on Health and Development. The Commission has identified a trend which highlights chronic non-communicable diseases as the major cause of mortality and morbidity in the Caribbean countries, including Belize. It also found that lifestyle and behavioural change is the key to the prevention and management of these diseases.

Topics discussed included the Prevention of Lung Cancer, the National Plan Framework on Tobacco Control, HIV/AIDS as a Chronic Disease, Behaviour and Life Style Change: The Key to combating Chronic, Non-Chronic Communicable Diseases and Preliminary Report on the National Survey: Diabetes and Hypertension.

The Ministry of Health also launched "The National Health Plan 2007-2011" at this forum. This comprehensive plan will highlight the way forward ensuring the continued improvement of the health situation of all Belizeans. It outlines a strategy for the next five years which builds upon a solid foundation of primary care services and comprehensive, integrated community services.