BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC – The Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) say they welcome the decision of Belize to update its National Mental Health Policy given the fact that countries of the region of the Americas the treatment gap for mental health is more than 70 percent.
“Thus, for Belize, this policy will bridge the gap in integrating mental health at all health system levels to ensure accessible, equitable, and comprehensive mental health services considering the human rights of affected individuals.
“Additionally, with mental health disorders being one of the risks associated with other diseases such as HIV, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, the police will also be sensitized to the management of possible unintentional and intentional injuries which could result from mental illnesses,” the two United Nations organizations said.
The policy was updated with funding support from the European Union (EU) and the Universal Health Coverage Partnership (UHC-P). Its primary focus is to promote and protect the human rights of individuals with mental health conditions, recognizing their inherent dignity and prioritizing their well-being.
“According to the World Health Organization, one in four people in the world will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, said Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell, PAHO/WHO Representative in Belize.
“At PAHO/WHO, we believe everyone has the right to mental well-being. We are committed to supporting our member states in developing and implementing comprehensive mental health policies and programs. I am pleased that the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Belize has promoted mental health and reduced stigma. The updated National Mental Health Policy is a comprehensive and ambitious document that sets out a clear vision for the future of mental health in Belize,” she added.
The UN agencies said that although there has not been any epidemiological study on mental health conducted in the country, between 2018-2021, three mental health diagnostic categories were recorded through the Belize Health Information System (BHIS). This included anxiety disorders (45 percent), affective disorders (22 percent), and schizophrenia and other related disorders (eight percent).
“We pledge to create an inclusive, effective, and compassionate mental healthcare system that upholds the universal human right to mental health,” said Belize Minister for Health Kevin Bernard.
“While we celebrate today’s launch, remember that our journey is far from over. The real test of this policy is in its implementation. We must now focus on turning these principles into practical benefits for the people of Belize. I invite all of you to join us in this pivotal endeavor.”
PAHO/WHO said in recognition of the evolving global and regional practices and factors, this is a long-awaited comprehensive update since its first development in 2008.
This revised policy ensures alignment with current international best practices from PAHO/WHO’s Plan of Action on Mental Health 2013-2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, precisely goal 3.4, which aims at reducing by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promoting mental health and well-being by 2030.
The overall implementation of the National Mental Health Policy underlines the Ministry of Health and Wellness’s (MoHW) commitment to improving the mental well-being of Belize’s population.
“PAHO/WHO continues to support several initiatives in the region to promote mental health and reduce stigma, as well as work with partners like the EU and the UHC-P to advance mental health care in the country and ensure that the policy remains on par with the highest global standards thus, strengthening the overall health system within Belize and the region of the Americas.”
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