PAHO Belize Conducts Community First Aid Responder Training for over 60 Community Health Workers

Belize City, Belize, May 11, 2026 (PAHO) - The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) and University of Colorado, conducted two intensive two-day workshops under the Community First Aid Response (CFAR) Learning Programme, training 67 community health workers from across the country.

The CFAR Programme, developed by WHO, equips participants with practical skills to recognize and respond to acute illness and injury, with a focus on rural and underserved communities. Community health workers are often one of the first points of contact in emergencies, particularly where access to formal emergency services is delayed. The training requires no prior medical background and emphasizes critical thinking, rapid assessment, and safe, effective action during emergencies.

Through the workshops, participants acquired skills to:

· Recognize emergency conditions through key danger signs

· Ensure scene and patient safety

· Assess medical and trauma cases

· Provide basic, life-saving interventions

· Support safe patient transport to health facilities

· Communicate effectively during patient handovers

The training combined interactive lectures, case-based discussions, and hands-on practice using real-world scenarios to reinforce learning.

By strengthening the capacity of community health workers, this initiative aimed to improve early response, enhance continuity of care, and reduce preventable deaths. Expanding these skills at the community level is a critical step toward improving access to timely emergency care across Belize.