GO-Belize
In 2018, Global Oncology partnered with the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital to build the first and only public cancer clinic in the country of Belize using the GO-DOC framework.
Since then, GO has worked continuously to improve capacity and quality of care for cancer patients in Belize through clinic protocol development, patient navigation, and mentorship.
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Belize is a middle-income country with a population of about 400,000, 40% of which live below the poverty line.
Cancer is a leading cause of death in Belize with breast, prostate, cervical, and colon cancers making up the largest burden.
Prior to 2018, no public oncology program was present in the country. In partnership with the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital and the Belizean Ministry of Health, GO has helped introduce accessible oncology care for Belizean citizens.
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GO’s program development in Belize is based on the principles of our Directly Observed Care program, with a goal of supporting patients through all aspects of their care. Our specialized and trained DOC Officers ensure that patients are supportive and receive timely, complete cancer care.
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Belize does not currently have infrastructure capabilities to support in-country radiation facilities. Belizean patients whose treatment necessitates radiation therapy need to travel to Mexico or Guatemala for treatment, requiring additional support.
GO is currently developing patient navigation protocols through our GO-DOC program specific to patients seeking out-of-country radiation treatment.
We are also working with Belize’s Ministry of Health and Social Security Board to advocate for and develop policies to reduce financial burden for these patients.
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Through our partnership with KHMH, GO is able to conduct clinical studies that inform the design, implementation, and improvement of our programs in Belize and other low-resource healthcare settings.
Click here to read about GO’s research on the development of cancer care in Belize!
GO Virtual Salon Series: “Launching a Countries First-Ever Public Oncology Program: The Global Oncology Experience in Belize” (October 14, 2020)