On July 24, 2026, Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness joined forces with the Taiwan Embassy in Belize to launch a new public health initiative called “Belize Moves,” a nationwide campaign designed to encourage everyday physical activity and reduce the burden of preventable lifestyle-related illnesses across the Central American nation.
The official launch ceremony took place on a Thursday evening at Sir George Brown Park in Belmopan, the country’s capital, where senior health officials and diplomatic partners outlined the urgent need for the program. Public health data shows non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and hypertension are responsible for roughly 65% of all annual deaths in Belize, placing enormous strain on families, local communities, and the country’s public health system.
Unlike many fitness initiatives that focus on structured gym routines or high-intensity workouts, Belize Moves centers on small, accessible, easy-to-adopt movement changes that people of all ages and ability levels can integrate into their daily lives. “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,” said Kevin Bernard, Belize’s Minister of Health and Wellness, during the launch event.
Bernard emphasized that behind the stark mortality statistic are real people whose lives are upended by entirely preventable conditions. “Non-communicable diseases… 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,” he added.
The diplomatic partnership with the Taiwan Embassy in Belize supports the government’s broader goals to strengthen primary healthcare and improve chronic disease prevention and management across the country. “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 Moves 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,” said H.E. Amino Chi, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Belize.
The campaign will roll out structured activities across multiple sectors of Belizean society to drive broad participation. Local primary and secondary schools will integrate the initiative into their health curricula, hosting health fairs, delivering evidence-based nutrition education, and organizing age-appropriate fitness challenges for students. Employers across the public and private sectors will be encouraged to develop tailored workplace wellness programs that support both physical activity and mental well-being for their staff.
Bernard stressed that the long-term success of the initiative depends on widespread public participation, calling on every Belizean to join the movement and encourage those around them to adopt small, healthy changes. “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,” he said. “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.”
Public health leaders hope Belize Moves will evolve from a targeted campaign into a sustained national movement, helping households, schools, workplaces, and local communities embed long-term healthy habits and reduce preventable illness across the country.