AGP Executive Report

Road Safety: Police are investigating a fatal late-night motorcycle crash in San Pedro that killed 33-year-old Gilberto Noble after a collision near Atlantic Bank; 23-year-old Vincent Canul was treated at the San Pedro Polyclinic II and transferred to KHMH. Healthcare Policy: Belize’s NHI says it is distancing itself from the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, urging the public and media to rely on verified facts. Sepsis Care: PAHO/WHO supported Belize’s National Workshop on Sepsis Care Pathways Implementation, focusing on early recognition, timely diagnosis, and responsible antibiotic use to cut preventable deaths and support antimicrobial stewardship. Regional Public Health Training: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states on safely transporting infectious substances and diagnostic specimens, strengthening lab readiness and faster response across the region. Animal Health Threat: The New World screwworm is spreading in the U.S., prompting quarantines in Texas after confirmed cases in livestock and a dog—raising concerns for people and animals in nearby areas. Belize–Cuba Health Links: The U.S. Charge d’Affaires says Belize is winding down the Cuban Medical Brigade, while Belize continues to send humanitarian medical-related supplies to Cuba amid shortages. Community Health & Wellness: A Belmopan grassroots rescue effort is expanding fast—77 animals rescued so far—as organizers push toward a full animal shelter.

Sepsis Care Upgrade: Belize is improving how hospitals spot and treat sepsis, with PAHO/WHO support for a National Workshop on Sepsis Care Pathways Implementation focused on early detection, timely diagnosis, smart antibiotic use, and coordinated patient care. Tobacco Prevention for Youth: PAHO/WHO and Belize’s National Drug Abuse Control Council held a youth forum, “Unmasking the Appeal,” to counter nicotine and tobacco addiction and kick off wider community sensitization. Cuban Medical Brigade Wind-Down: The U.S. Charge d’Affaires says Belize agreed to wind up the Cuban Medical Brigade program, while Belize officials say they’re committed to keeping healthcare services robust. Humanitarian Aid to Cuba: Ships carrying food and essential goods—including a shipment from Colombia and another from Mexico and Belize—continue arriving in Havana as Cuba faces shortages tied to energy and economic strain. Digital Resilience for Government: Belize hosted a regional workshop on strengthening digital resilience, aiming to protect critical government data and keep public services running during crises. Belize Health & Safety News: A Coast Guard rescue saved 7 people after a vessel began taking on water near San Pedro. Local Health System Note: NHI says it is distancing itself from reporting tied to the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, urging the public to rely on verified facts.

Sepsis Care Upgrade: Belize teams, with PAHO/WHO support, held a National Workshop on Sepsis Care Pathways Implementation to improve early detection, timely diagnosis, correct antibiotic use, and coordinated treatment—aimed at cutting preventable sepsis deaths and strengthening antimicrobial stewardship. Regional Lab Readiness: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states in safe infectious substance transport via an IATA train-the-trainer workshop in Trinidad and Tobago, boosting regional lab and pandemic response capacity—Belize included. Drought Relief Accountability: As Belize prepares emergency cash assistance for farmers amid drought concerns, the Opposition backs funding but insists on strict transparency and parliamentary oversight. Animal Health Alert: The New World screwworm is spreading in the Americas, with US quarantines in Texas and New Mexico after confirmed cases—raising concern for nearby regions and the need for active animal health surveillance. Public Health Youth Focus: PAHO/WHO and Belize’s National Drug Abuse Control Council launched a youth tobacco control forum under “Unmasking the Appeal,” starting a series of nationwide sensitization efforts. Belize-Cuba Solidarity: Belize joined Mexico in sending about 1,700 tons of food and basic supplies to Cuba via the ship Asian Katra, as shortages worsen. Local Health & Safety: Belize Coast Guard rescued 7 people after a vessel began taking on water near San Pedro. Health System Trust: NHI publicly distanced itself from the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, urging the public and media to rely on verified facts.

Sepsis Care Push: PAHO/WHO helped Belize run a National Workshop on Sepsis Care Pathways (Apr 15–16), focusing on faster detection, timely diagnosis, smarter antibiotic use, and coordinated treatment to cut preventable deaths and support antimicrobial resistance goals. Digital Health & Resilience: Belize also hosted a Regional Workshop on Strengthening Digital Resilience (June 2–3) to protect critical government data—including health records—during crises, while Adroit Infosystems highlighted practical EHR and workflow digitization for Caribbean clinics at a Trinidad symposium. Tobacco Prevention for Youth: PAHO/WHO and Belize’s health partners held a National Tobacco Control Youth Forum (“Unmasking the Appeal”) to counter nicotine and tobacco use among young people. Humanitarian Aid & Health Supply: Belize joined Mexico in sending about 1,700 tons of food and basic necessities to Cuba, including items like medication and supplies. Local Health News: Belize mourned media personality Brother Fem Cruz after complications tied to Parkinson’s; and a Cayo security guard died in a motorcycle crash.

Sepsis Care Push: PAHO/WHO backed Belize’s National Workshop on Sepsis Care Pathways Implementation, using tools to map gaps and strengthen early recognition, timely diagnosis, and smarter antimicrobial use as antimicrobial resistance rises. Tobacco Prevention for Youth: Belize held its first National Tobacco Control Youth Forum, “Unmasking the Appeal,” bringing students together for community sensitization as part of a wider push toward a smoke-free, emission-free Latin America. Digital Health Workflows: Adroit Infosystems highlighted practical EHR and connected clinic/hospital workflows at the CCFP Trinidad World Family Doctor Day Symposium, focusing on digitizing real processes for better continuity of care. Belmopan Doctor Murder Fallout: The NHI says it is distancing itself from the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, urging the public to rely on verified facts. Belize Health Community Loss: Beloved media personality “Brother Fem” Cruz died after complications related to Parkinson’s, remembered for decades of community reporting and music. Humanitarian Aid to Cuba: Belize joined Mexico in sending about 1,700 tons of food and basic supplies to Cuba, including items like medication and supplies for Belizean students and mission staff. Animal Rescue Spotlight: A Belmopan woman’s grassroots mission has grown into a major rescue effort, now caring for 77 animals and seeking support for a full shelter.

Digital Health & Resilience: PAHO/WHO backed Belize’s push to strengthen sepsis care pathways and antimicrobial stewardship, while Belize also hosted a regional workshop on digital resilience to keep critical government services running during cyber or natural disasters. Tobacco & Youth Prevention: PAHO/WHO and Belize’s Ministry of Health & Wellness held a national youth tobacco control forum, “Unmasking the Appeal,” as part of a wider drive toward smoke-free, healthier communities. Sepsis + AMR Focus: A Belize workshop mapped sepsis care readiness using WHO and critical care tools, aiming for faster recognition, better early treatment, and smarter antibiotic use. Belize Health System in the Spotlight: The NHI publicly distanced itself from claims linking it to the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, as Belize continues to process the case. Public Health Policy: Caribbean nutritionists and legal drafters met in Barbados to advance sodium reduction and eliminate industrial trans fats. Humanitarian Aid & Health Supplies: Belize joined Mexico in sending 1,700 tons of food and basic necessities to Cuba, including medication and supplies. Community Health & Safety: Belize Coast Guard rescued seven people after a vessel began taking on water near San Pedro. Infectious Disease Watch: Ebola in DR Congo was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with no specific cure for the outbreak strain. Animal Health Alert: New World screwworm detections in the U.S. triggered quarantines, raising regional livestock and wildlife risk.

Health & Community Loss: Belmopan media and healthcare mourned the death of longtime Plus TV journalist Brother Fem Cruz, rushed from a fall to Western Regional Hospital and later transferred to KHMH, where he died after years living with Parkinson’s. Humanitarian Supplies: Belize joined Mexico in sending 1,700 tons of food and basic necessities to Cuba aboard the Asian Katra, as Cuba continues to face shortages tied to its energy and economic crisis. Tobacco Prevention (Youth): PAHO/WHO and Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness held a National Tobacco Control Youth Forum, “Unmasking the Appeal,” launching a series of youth and community activities to curb nicotine and tobacco addiction. Public Health Policy (Food): Caribbean nutritionists and NCD focal points met in Barbados to push sodium reduction and policies to eliminate industrially produced trans fats—key steps to reduce diet-related deaths. Local Health System & Safety: Belize Coast Guard rescued 7 people after a vessel began taking on water near San Pedro Town, coordinating with a civilian vessel to evacuate all passengers safely. Workplace Health Law: Belize’s OSH Bill, 2025, was delayed again in the Senate as senators asked for written responses after meetings were cancelled. Medical Crime Update: Two suspects—Hannah Rebekah Foreman and Edwin Albert Bethran Jr.—were charged in the murder of Belmopan internist Dr. Naun Bonilla, following a probe that police say used monitoring, digital forensics, and financial intelligence. Infectious Disease Alert (Regional): New World screwworm continues spreading in the region, with Texas quarantines and public health concern rising as the parasite can infect people through wounds.

New World Screwworm Alert: Texas has confirmed the first locally acquired New World screwworm case in 60 years, triggering quarantines in parts of La Salle, Uvalde, Webb and Zavala counties after confirmed livestock cases and a suspected dog case in New Mexico—raising concerns for wounds in people and animals and the risk of wider spread. Tobacco Prevention for Youth: PAHO/WHO and Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness held a National Tobacco Control Youth Forum under “Unmasking the Appeal,” launching a series of youth and community activities to curb nicotine and tobacco use. Belize Health & Safety Policy: The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Bill, 2025, was delayed again in the Senate as lawmakers requested written responses, while a separate Senate move advanced wastewater funding for Caye Caulker. Justice in Healthcare: Two people were charged in the murder of Belmopan doctor Dr. Naun Bonilla, with police describing a coordinated investigation tied to a business dispute. Regional Health Nutrition: Caribbean nutritionists and legal drafters met in Barbados to push sodium reduction and policies to eliminate industrial trans fats.

Belize Health & Safety: Belize Central Prison’s 2025 report says there were no escapes, fewer incidents, lower drug positivity, and strong rehab participation (over 80%), though the prison still holds a large share of murder-related convictions and more people are jailed for minor offenses. Public Health Prevention: PAHO/WHO and Belize’s Ministry of Health & Wellness held a National Tobacco Control Youth Forum for World No Tobacco Day 2026, launching a series of youth forums and community sensitization to curb nicotine and tobacco use. Nutrition & Chronic Disease: Caribbean NCD experts met in Barbados to push sodium reduction and policies to eliminate industrially produced trans fats, warning that processed foods drive much of the risk. Digital Resilience: Belize hosted a regional workshop on strengthening digital resilience, aiming to protect critical government data—including health records—during cyber-attacks and other crises. Medical Community Shock: Two people were charged in the murder of Belmopan doctor Dr. Naun Bonilla, with police pointing to a planned attack tied to a business dispute. Animal Health Alert: New World screwworm concerns continue as the parasite spreads beyond its old limits, raising risks for livestock and wildlife across the region.

Tobacco Control for Youth: PAHO/WHO and Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness launched the first National Tobacco Control Youth Forum under “Unmasking the Appeal,” bringing students from across Belize District together for a push against nicotine and tobacco addiction. Heart-Health Food Policy: PAHO/WHO convened Caribbean nutritionists, NCD focal points, and legal drafters in Barbados to map sodium reduction and eliminate industrially produced trans fats—key drivers of preventable deaths. Livestock Health Alert: Belize’s Agriculture Ministry trained livestock producers and animal health staff in Corozal (Progresso and Sarteneja) on spotting and reporting New World screwworm, aiming to stop the flesh-eating parasite before it spreads. Local Eye Care Access: Keller United Methodist Church hosted a free eye clinic in Belize City with screenings, exams, and glasses for people who may not afford vision care. Belmopan Doctor Murder Case: Two suspects—Hannah Rebekah Foreman and Edwin Albert Bethran Jr.—were formally charged in the killing of Dr. Naun Bonilla, following a business dispute that police say led to a planned attack.

Ebola Watch: WHO declared the Congo outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, noting no cure for Bundibugyo Ebola and warning of cross-border spread. Measles Alert: PAHO says measles is surging across the Americas and urges Belize to tighten surveillance and vaccination ahead of the 2026 World Cup, especially for travelers without proof of two-dose immunity. Livestock Health Threat: Belize is training livestock producers to spot and report New World screwworm early, as the parasite has been confirmed in Texas for the first time in decades—raising fears of wider spread. Local Health & Safety Policy: Belize’s OSH Bill was delayed again in the Senate, with senators asked to submit questions in writing after meetings were cancelled. Community Care: Keller United Methodist Church delivered free eye care in Belize City, offering screenings, exams, and glasses. Justice in Healthcare: Two people were charged in the murder of Belmopan doctor Dr. Naun Bonilla, with police pointing to a business dispute and a planned attack. Violence Update: A teen and a man were injured in a Pomona Village shooting, and police say they may not have been the intended targets.

Ebola Alert: WHO says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is now a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with no cure and no approved licensed vaccines—urging vigilance as cases and deaths rise. Murder Charges in Healthcare: Two people have been charged in the killing of Belmopan physician Dr. Naun Bonilla, with court proceedings underway and family members alleging warning signs were missed. Senate Health Policy Delay: Belize’s OSH Bill was delayed again in the Senate as lawmakers asked for more written responses from Labour officials. Measles Risk for Mass Gatherings: PAHO warns measles is surging across the Americas and urges stronger surveillance and vaccination checks ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including guidance for travelers. Livestock Health Threat: Belize is stepping up New World screwworm preparedness with livestock training, as the parasite spreads beyond its old borders—now confirmed in Texas—raising concerns for cattle, pets, and wildlife. Community Care: Keller United Methodist Church delivered free eye care services in Belize City, offering screenings, exams, and glasses for people who may not afford them. Coastal Environment Watch: A temporary halt on dredging in sensitive coastal areas is underway while a plan is developed with multiple agencies, including the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

New World Screwworm Alert: The U.S. USDA confirmed the first locally acquired New World screwworm case in the U.S. in 60 years, detected in a 3-week-old calf in south Texas, prompting quarantines, surveillance, and fears for livestock and wildlife health. Belize Preparedness: Belize’s Ministry of Agriculture ran livestock training workshops in Corozal to help producers spot signs early, report suspected cases, and prevent spread—aimed at protecting cattle and other animals. Measles Watch for Mass Gatherings: PAHO warned that rising measles transmission plus international travel could fuel outbreaks around the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging stronger surveillance and vaccination access. Coastal Health & Environment: Belize temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas after community concerns, with health and marine impacts tied to lagoon and reef recovery. Belmopan Medical Tragedy: Dr. Naun Bonilla’s murder case moved forward with arraignments and police describing a digital and financial investigation into a business dispute that allegedly led to the killing. Community Care: Keller United Methodist Church delivered free eye care services in Belize City, offering screenings, exams, and glasses.

Public Health & Safety: Belize City saw a volunteer eye clinic by Keller United Methodist Church, offering screenings, exams, and free glasses at the Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence. Infectious Disease Watch: PAHO is warning that measles is rising across the Americas, and with the 2026 FIFA World Cup bringing more travel, countries including Belize should boost surveillance, vaccination access, and rapid response. Livestock Health: Belize is running New World screwworm preparedness training for livestock producers in Corozal, focusing on spotting signs, reporting suspected cases, and preventing spread. Animal Health & Environment: A six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye is underway, with advocates saying the pause is needed for habitat recovery for manatees and other wildlife. Justice & Healthcare Community: Belmopan’s medical community and the public continue to demand justice after Dr. Naun Bonilla’s murder, as suspects were arraigned and police described a multi-layer investigation involving digital forensics and financial tracking.

New World screwworm threat: The U.S. confirmed its first New World screwworm case in decades in Texas, prompting quarantine and intensified surveillance as officials warn the parasite can spread via animal movement and cause severe tissue damage in livestock and wildlife. Belize preparedness: Belize is responding with livestock training workshops in Corozal, teaching producers how to spot signs, report suspected cases, and prevent spread—aimed at protecting the cattle industry. Measles warning for mass gatherings: PAHO says measles is rising across the Americas and urges stronger surveillance, vaccination checks, and rapid response ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, noting many cases occur among unvaccinated people or those with unknown status. Local health access: Keller United Methodist Church delivered free eye care in Belize City, offering screenings, exams, and glasses for people who may not afford routine vision services. Community health & safety: Belize also temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas after environmental concerns, with health and marine agencies set to be involved in planning. Belmopan murder case: Dr. Naun Bonilla’s alleged killers were arraigned, with police describing a coordinated investigation using digital forensics and financial tracking.

Violence & Care Access: Two men, including a 16-year-old, were shot in Pomona Village Tuesday night; police say the victims may not have been the intended targets and they were rushed to a medical facility, with conditions not yet released. Public Health Watch: PAHO is warning of measles risk ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing a fourfold rise in Americas cases and urging stronger surveillance, vaccination checks, and rapid response—Belize is named among countries with reported infections linked to outbreaks or importations. Livestock Health Security: Belize is stepping up New World screwworm preparedness after the parasite’s return in the region, with training for livestock producers on spotting signs, reporting suspected cases, and preventing spread. Community Health Support: Keller United Methodist Church ran a free eye clinic in Belize City, offering screenings, exams, and glasses to help people catch vision problems early. Healthy Food Policy: A regional webinar reviewed slow progress on non-communicable disease prevention, highlighting the need for faster action on healthy food policies across the Caribbean. Diplomacy & Health Links: The U.S. moves to tighten sanctions on Cuba-linked entities raises questions for Belize, where Cuban medical support and scholarships have long played a role.