The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) in Belize has reaffirmed the safety of the nation’s drinking water, despite preliminary findings from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 7 (MICS7) revealing significant E. coli contamination in household water samples. Conducted by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) under UNICEF’s international standards, the survey detected E. coli in tap water, purified water, and dispenser water across the country. Wendy Benavides, a statistician at SIB, attributed the contamination to unclean water sources or unsanitary storage containers, urging the public to maintain hygiene practices. E. coli exposure can lead to severe health issues, particularly for vulnerable populations. The MoHW, however, emphasized that its extensive national monitoring program, which tests over 4,000 samples annually from various water sources, consistently meets World Health Organization (WHO) safety standards. The Ministry collaborates with local authorities to address isolated issues promptly and is committed to enhancing surveillance and testing technologies. Belizeans are encouraged to rely on official updates for accurate information, as the MoHW assures the public of the water supply’s safety.
