Environmental Health Program Strategic Plan 2009 - 2011

 

Safety of Belizean population enhanced through improved and secure points of entry

We plan to:

• Assessment Ports of Entry in Belize (Sea and Air)
• Identify Ports of entry in compliance with International Health Regulations 2005

Diseases of major public health concern prevented and/or controlled 

We plan to:

• Annual animal rabies vaccination
• Treatment of malaria positive cases within 24 hours
• Implement Dengue and Dengue hemorrhagic Fever Protocols
• Out-breaks investigation
• Animal bites investigation

Reduce population of vectors that transmit malaria, dengue and Chagas diseases

We plan to:

• Biannual IRS in most positive localities
• Develop one environmental health project in every incidence locality for malaria ULV Spraying

Safe water and food supply to the public through improved quality standards

We plan to:

• Food Handlers training as part of the Certification Program
• Water testing at rural and urban Systems
• Monitor Water Boards
• Continue training (refresher courses) for Water Board members
  

Legal framework updated to enable effective implementation of public health laws

We plan to:

• Advocate for an Attorney to be employed by MOH
• OSHA development
• Review and lobby for Cabinet to pass into law the National Drinking Water Quality Law

Public awareness in environmental health enhanced

We plan to:

• Celebrate World Health Day
• World Environment Day
• International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction
• Malaria Day in the Americas
• Promotion of health services provided by the Ministry of Health

Disaster management improved to reduce community and health infrastructure vulnerability

We plan to:

• AAR 2008 Season
• Vulnerability Assessment of Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital
• Vulnerability Assessment of Regional Hospitals
• Update Disaster Preparedness Plans
  

Institutional strengthening of the environmental health program

We plan to:

• Fill Environmental Health vacant positions
• Participate in the next University of Belize PHI Step 1 training
• Establish Entomology Unit

Quality of services improved through training of staff

We plan to:

• Train entomologists
• Participate in the next University of Belize Step 1 training
• Training sessions for health practitioners in case management of Chagas Disease