GOB Signs Agreement to Provide Nutritional Support for People Living with HIV

The Government of Belize has taken a major step in strengthening its national HIV response with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide nutritional support for People Living with HIV (PLHIV).

The agreement, signed by the Ministry of Economic Transformation (MET) and the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support, and Gender Affairs, with the support of the National AIDS Commission (NAC), will run from July 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. It represents a holistic approach to HIV care by addressing not only medical needs but also the socio-economic and nutritional challenges faced by PLHIV.

Under the partnership, MET will disburse BZ$108,000 to the Ministry of Human Development, which will provide monthly food packages valued at BZ$300 each to thirty beneficiaries living with HIV. These individuals will also be linked to broader social protection programs to ensure comprehensive support.

Civil society partners, including the GoJoven Belize Alumni Association and the Belize Family Life Association (BFLA), will play a key role in identifying beneficiaries and delivering case management services. Oversight and coordination of the initiative will be carried out by NAC through a joint working committee.

The MOU is valid for one year, with the possibility of extension for up to two additional years. Government officials emphasized that the initiative underscores Belize’s commitment to people-centred, sustainable measures that improve the quality of life for PLHIV and strengthen the country’s overall HIV response.