Belize Hosts ‘One Health’ Workshop with Regional Health Experts to Tackle Common Diseases

Dr Manzanero’s interview was done this afternoon at the Best Western as he participated in a worshopof the One Health Committee.  Representatives from the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) as well as the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic (COMISCA), and the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) are being hosted in Belize for a workshop with the Ministry of Health and Wellness.  The workshop, dubbed, ‘One Health’ is an initiative that looks at the common diseases and illnesses affecting the participating regions with a view to have each country prioritize its approach from a local level.  Dr. Manzanero spoke to Love News on the expected outcomes of the session.

Other stakeholders in today’s workshop also includes various units within the Ministry of Agriculture.  According to Dr. Manzanero, the collaboration is necessary as there are multiple diseases spread through animals, formally referred to as zoonotic diseases.  Also participating in the workshop are members of the Department of the Environment.  Chief Environmental Officer, Anthony Mai, told the media that their input is crucial due to the connection between and among living things.

The One Health initiative was first launched in Belize in October 2022.