Belize is a small, democratic nation on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Central America.  With its deep jungles and the Maya Mountains, Belize is a beautiful country.  But many in its population of less than 300,000 deal with the daily struggles of extreme poverty and need. 

Since 1985, Rivers of the World (ROW) has been active in the country of Belize, working on a variety of service projects, from organizing medical/dental clinical mission trips to providing clean drinking water for school children.  In 2009, International Health Services Foundation (IHSF) became involved in ROW's work with the Punta Gorda Hospital in Southern Belize.  Through the generous work of ROW volunteers and others, the hospital is now in the process of constructing a new two-story maternity ward. 

Corey Roy of IHSF conducted a medical needs assessment relating to this new maternity ward.  IHSF will continue to support ROW in monitoring the needs of this hospital and assisting in securing resources.    Read more here.

In January 2011, IHSF President Charlie Evans travelled with ROW volunteers to Belize and met with several local and regional health officials in Punta Gorda and the Toledo District.  Through these meetings and facility tours, he was able to assess their current clinical needs.  IHSF has begun coordinating with Toledo District’s Deputy Regional Manager to secure a shipment of used but usable medical supplies and equipment through MedShare International to help meet the identified needs.