Thursday, July 31, 2025
Belize has been selected as one of four countries to participate in a landmark initiative to promote smoke-free and emission-free Latin America, led by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW). This initiative aims to address the public health challenges of tobacco use and exposure, while reinforcing global commitments to public health and sustainability. Over the course of a week (July 28-31, 2025), in collaboration with the NDACC of the MoHW, a series of activities were held to build capacity, foster collaboration, and support the implementation of tobacco control policies across sectors. Delegates from Belize, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua joined these activities, exploring strategies to create smoke-free spaces, sharing best practices, and discussing challenges and opportunities for tobacco control. Data shared highlighted the importance of smoke-free environments for health, economic development, and environmental sustainability. The intersectoral workshop attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including health authorities, ministries, and key sectors, demonstrating the benefits of smoke-free policies. The international workshop brought together delegations from the participating countries, allowing for exchange of experiences and discussions on strengthening laws and policies. The technical cooperation of PAHO/WHO focused on advancing the WHO FCTC, particularly Article 8, which pertains to smoke-free environments. The week-long series of activities concluded with renewed commitment to achieving smoke-free and emission-free environments. Through the implementation of this collaborative initiative, Belize and its regional partners are taking a vital step toward a healthier, cleaner, and tobacco-free future.
Reference: PAHO/WHO partners with Belize in the New “Towards a Smoke-Free and Emission-Free Latin America” InitiativeLabels: PAHO
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