PAHO supported Belize in addressing vaccine hesitancy by empowering Community Health Workers (CHWs) to build trust in immunization services. Through targeted technical cooperation, PAHO assisted the MoHW in designing and implementing training that enhanced CHWs’ technical knowledge on immunization and their communication skills to engage families using culturally appropriate, dialogue‑based approaches. All 300 CHWs were equipped with practical tools and job aids to strengthen knowledge of vaccines and immunization practices as well as to address concerns related to beliefs, social norms, and misinformation, in close coordination with national immunization teams and local health services.  

This achievement advances health for all by reaching communities facing barriers to access and reinforces a human rights‑based approach to health information. By strengthening community‑level capacity and confidence in immunization, PAHO contributed to sustaining vaccination coverage and the elimination of polio, measles, and rubella in support of the Disease Elimination Initiative, while strengthening primary health care (PHC) as a trusted entry point for other public health interventions, thereby contributing to improved population health outcomes. 

Photo caption: Cover page of the Vaccination & Immunization Quick Reference Guide for Community Health Workers

Credit: PAHO