Photo Credit: MoECST, MoHW
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW), has launched a tuberculosis (TB) awareness and information campaign across schools following the confirmation of two student cases in Belize City. The initiative aims to strengthen public understanding of TB, reassure families, and support early detection while regular classes continue.
On Wednesday, February 18, the two ministries confirmed cases involve a 16‑year‑old student from Edward P. Yorke High School and a 10‑year‑old student from Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Primary School. The MoHW said both diagnoses were confirmed through clinical and laboratory evaluation, and both children have already begun treatment and are responding well.
Following the diagnoses, the Ministry activated standard public‑health protocols. These include notifying the affected schools, initiating contact tracing, and screening individuals who may have had prolonged, close contact with the students.
As part of its public‑information campaign, the Ministry of Education posted a joint TB awareness flier and an accompanying social‑media message on its platforms, urging families to stay informed. “
𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬. 
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝,” the Ministry said, encouraging parents, teachers, and the wider community to review the frequently asked questions now being circulated. The Ministry also reassured the public that “
𝐓𝐁 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞.”
The TB awareness flier posted on the MoECST platforms and circulated in the schools nationwide outlines key symptoms families should watch for, including a cough lasting more than two weeks, fever, fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats. Parents are encouraged to seek medical care if symptoms persist. It also reinforces prevention practices such as wearing masks when appropriate, washing hands frequently, avoiding crowded spaces when ill, and seeking early medical attention.
The social‑media message said the MoHW “continues to monitor the situation closely” alongside the Ministry of Education, noting that “the health and safety of students, staff, and families remain our top priority.”
Free TB screening, testing, and treatment are available at all public health facilities nationwide. Families can contact their nearest health center or call the Ministry’s toll‑free line, 0‑800‑MOH‑CARE, for guidance.
The post Ministries of Health and Education launch TB awareness campaign in schools after two student cases confirmed appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Photo Credit: MoECST, MoHW By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW), has launched a tuberculosis (TB) awareness and information campaign across schools following the confirmation of two student cases in Belize City. The initiative aims to strengthen public understanding
The post Ministries of Health and Education launch TB awareness campaign in schools after two student cases confirmed appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
