230+ Medical Volunteers Bring Faith and Free Care to Belize City

Hundreds of Belizeans are crowding into the Belize City Civic Center as a four-day free health expo continues to draw a growing demand for medical services. 

The medical brigade brings together more than 230 international volunteers, including local medical professionals. The health expo is offering free general consultations, dental care, paediatric services, health education and women’s checks. 

“These are medical doctors, dentists, gynecologists, pediatricians, pharmacists, nurses, nutritionists, and physiotherapists… are here so we can serve the people and the communities in Belize,” said Zodaida Powell, doctor in public health and assistant to the health ministry within the Belize Union of Seventh-day Adventists

She especially called on women to visit the Civic Center to conduct free Pap smears. 

She told News 5 that the turnout reflects urgent healthcare needs, saying that the team attended to almost 500 people on Monday. “We expect more people,” she said. “Today the line was pretty long. So we are asking Belizeans to be a little patient with us.” 

This is the first major outreach of its kind by the Seventh-day Adventist organisation in Belize and part of a wider push to expand. Powell said, “We plan to continue doing health expos in the villages so we can help Belizeans to be more healthy and enjoy a better life, because obesity and chronic diseases are killing us.”

“We also have a section where people can learn how to manage stress and trust in God instead of trusting in alcohol, drugs, or different bad habits,” she added. “Learn how you can put your life in God’s hands so he can help you deal with all your problems and anxieties.” 

The expo started on Monday and continues until Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including lunch breaks.