Investing in WASH to strengthen care for the most vulnerable communities
Government of Belize and UNICEF inaugurate WASH project at the Bella Vista Polyclinic
The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, and Local Government, in partnership with UNICEF, today inaugurated a new Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Project at the Bella Vista Polyclinic in the Toledo District.
This initiative reflects a shared commitment to a fundamental principle: access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene is a right essential to every child’s health, dignity, and development.
Strengthening health services through reliable water access
The new WASH system includes the installation of two 10,000‑liter water tanks, a reinforced elevated concrete stand, and a newly constructed laundry room. This upgraded infrastructure provides a critical backup water supply, ensuring that the polyclinic can remain fully operational even during water shortages or system failures.
For healthcare providers serving rural and remote communities, uninterrupted access to clean water is essential to maintaining infection prevention standards, supporting maternal and newborn care, and protecting children from waterborne illnesses. With this project, frontline health workers can continue delivering life‑saving care in a safe, sanitary, and resilient environment.
The inauguration ceremony brought together national and community leaders, including:
• Hon. Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, and Local Government
• Dr. Hon. Osmond Martinez, Area Representative for Toledo East
• Dr. Olusola Oladeji, Health and Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF Belize
• Mr. Valentino Shal, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry
• Representatives from the Bella Vista Village Council, Water Board, and the Bella Vista Polyclinic
Water as a right, not a privilege
Supporting WASH services in health facilities is central to protecting children and ensuring that no community is left behind. Clean water and reliable sanitation are foundational to children’s survival, learning, and overall well‑being. Investments like the Bella Vista WASH Project strengthen Belize’s resilience to climate impacts while helping build healthier, safer communities.
With funding from the Government of Korea, UNICEF is committed to enhancing the technical and sanitation capacity of the Bella Vista Polyclinic advancing Belize’s national efforts toward sustainable development, disaster preparedness, and universal access to quality health services.
Together, through strong partnerships and community-centered action, we are ensuring that every child, every family, and every community has access to the water and sanitation services they need to live, grow, and thrive.
