National Campaign Pushes Belizeans Toward Healthier Habits

Belizeans are being asked to take a simple step toward better health, literally. The Ministry of Health and Wellness, in partnership with the Embassy of Taiwan, has launched “Belize Moves,” a nationwide campaign aimed at getting people more physically active in their everyday lives. The goal is to help reduce lifestyle-related illnesses, including non-communicable diseases, by encouraging movement that is practical, accessible, and easy to start. The campaign officially kicked off on Thursday evening at Sir George Brown Park in Belmopan. Shane Williams has the story.

 

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness

“Belize Moves is more than a program. It is a commitment to prevention, a commitment to healthier communities and a commitment to creating opportunities for every Belizean to live a longer, healthier and more active life.”

 

Shane Williams, Reporting

Health officials say non-communicable diseases cause about sixty-five percent of deaths in Belize. The campaign is not about gym routines or heavy exercise. It is about getting Belizeans of all ages to move more in simple, practical ways to fight non-communicable diseases.

 

Kevin Bernard

“Non-communicable diseases, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and hypertension continue to place a very heavy burden on our families, communities, and our health system. As highlighted during the Belize Moves workshop this week, NCDs account for approximately sixty-five percent of all deaths in our country. Behind each statistic is a mother, a father, a brother, a sister, a friend or a neighbor whose life has been impacted by preventable illnesses.”

 

The Embassy of Taiwan is partnering with the Ministry of Health on the Belize Moves project.

 

H.E. Amino Chi, Ambassador of Taiwan to Belize

“Together, we are strengthening primary healthcare, enhancing the prevention and management of chronic disease, and promoting healthier lifestyles. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to improving public health and achieving the goals of the Belize Move initiative. As a close friend and a development partner of Belize, Taiwan remains committed to deepening our cooperation and advancing the health and well-being of the Belizean people.”

 

Minister Kevin Bernard says the success of Belize MOVES will ultimately depend on the participation of every Belizean. Schools will promote healthy eating and physical activity through health fairs, nutrition education and fitness challenges, while workplaces will be encouraged to establish wellness programs that support both physical and mental health.

 

Kevin Bernard

“I invite every Belizean to be part of this journey. Take a walk, join a fitness activity, choose healthier foods, get screened, and most importantly, encourage your families and friends, neighbors, and coworkers to do the same. Because when one Belizean moves, a family benefits. When a community moves, a nation benefits. When Belize moves, Belize grows stronger, healthier, and more resilient.”

 

Health officials want Belize MOVES to grow into a national movement, helping families, schools, workplaces, and communities build healthier habits and prevent disease. Shane Williams for News Five.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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