To strengthen the COVID-19 response and surveillance at Belize’s points of entry, as well as mental health and psychosocial support related to the disease, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the WHO Regional Office for the Americas (PAHO) donated a stock of critical equipment. The shipment included 3 walk-through digital temperature body scanners, 13 HP Elitebook laptops with accessories, 5 desktop computers, 3 projectors, 8 digital cameras with accessories, 40 Samsung Galaxy tablets, and 34 refillable wall-mounted touchless sanitizer dispensers to the Ministry of Health.
“Strengthening surveillance and increasing capacity to manage emergencies are crucial to implementing public health measures related to the COVID-19 response at the points of entry and communities,” said Dr Noreen Jack, WHO Representative in Belize. “We thank the UK FCDO for collaborating with us to support the Ministry of Health’s surveillance efforts and resources.”
The donated items will enhance existing surveillance systems such as rapid case detection and identification, develop useful interventions for mental health, and increase safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at the points of entry. WHO in Belize continues to collaborate with donors like the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to help strengthen the country’s COVID-19 response.
WHO thanks all donors and partners who have contributed to fund the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to combat COVID-19. A special appreciation goes to Member States and other contributors who provided flexible funds, making it possible for WHO to deliver a coherent, strategic and broad response.
Read the PAHO news story about how the UK and WHO helping Belize fight COVID-19
Read more about WHO’s response to COVID-19