MoHW awards 67 scholarships

By William Ysaguirre (Freelance Writer)

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Sept. 3, 2026

    The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) has awarded 67 scholarships worth $2.5 million, in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology. The 67 scholarship recipients received their awards and signed bonds committing them to provide as many years of service to the government and people of Belize as their years of study, at a bond-signing ceremony at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City on Thursday morning, September 4.

   Of these, 11 scholarships were for students pursuing Masters of Science in Nursing Administration, while 12 recipients are enrolled in Masters of Science in Mental Health programs, to become psychiatric nurse practitioners; and 10 more are engaged in studies to receive their Associate of Science degree in Practical Nursing. Another 22 are pursuing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Belize, while 4 are pursuing their Bachelor of Medicine/ Bachelor of Surgery degree (pre-med) at the University of Belize School of Medicine. Two others are pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at the Instituto Tecnologico de Merida in Mexico, and 5 are enrolled in Masters of Nursing in Anesthesia programs. One is pursuing his Masters of Science in Psychiatry, and one seeks his Masters in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

   Minister of Health and Wellness, Hon. Kevin Bernard said at the ceremony, “I am very proud to stand before the 67 Belizeans whose hard work, discipline and potential we will recognize today. It is about opportunity. It’s about national development, and above all, it is about the commitment of the government of Belize to invest in our people and to build a stronger, more resilient, and more equitable health system for every Belizean.”

   The Minister further counseled the scholarship recipients, “I also ask you to recognize the responsibility that comes with it. The bond you sign today should not be viewed simply as an obligation; it represents a partnership between you and your country. Belize is investing in you today because Belize will need you tomorrow.”

   “When you complete your studies, we want you to return not only with qualifications, but with a renewed commitment to serve your people. We want you to become nurses, doctors, specialists, administrators, and biomedical professionals who will help transform healthcare in Belize. Our vision is clear: a healthier and more empowered Belize, through a resilient, equitable and people-centered health system. Achieving that vision requires trained and committed people. We believe in what you can become, and we look forward to welcoming you into an even stronger Belizean health workforce. May you approach this opportunity with gratitude, determination and a deep sense of service to your country,” Bernard added.

   IDB representative Karla Gonzalez-Carvajal said the IDB was more than happy to partner with the Ministry in this effort. She remarked, “In the past 7 years, both partners have worked together on the following programs, supporting Belize’s participation in the regional malaria elimination initiative, supporting the country’s response to COVID-19 pandemic; investing in equipment and training to strengthen maternal and child health services; and advancing Digital Health interventions, including ongoing regional initiatives that aim to strengthen the collaboration and future data sharing to improve cross-border health surveillance. On behalf of the IDB, I congratulate each of the scholarship recipients, your families and the teams from the Ministry of Health and Wellness. We really see how these two Ministries — Education and Health have worked together to gather this opportunity. Overall our partnership with the Ministry of Health has helped Belizeans to live healthier, and promote more productive lives, enabling families and communities to thrive and prosper. Congratulations once again!”