Ministry of Health Engages in Training to Combat Cardiovascular Disease

Over the next two days, personnel from the Ministry of Health and Wellness will be participating in a training session that focuses on combating cardiovascular disease in Belize. The Hearts in the Americas initiative is led by the ministries of health of over thirty participating countries through technical cooperation with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Deputy Director of Health and Wellness, Dr. Fidel Cuellar, explained that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Belize and many countries across the world, underscoring the need for innovative approaches to address the issue. He spoke on how the Hearts initiative differs from other targeted interventions in the past.

Dr. Karen Lewis Bell, PAHO representative to Belize, explained that Hearts will streamline collaboration between healthcare providers throughout the country and improve patient management.

Present for the training were doctors, nurses, regional managers of hospitals, technical specialists from PAHO, and other medical personnel. The initiative is also supported through funding from the European Union.