The North American Taiwanese Medical Association (NATMA) recently completed a five-day medical mission in Belize, treating close to 1,800 patients and performing 56 surgeries. The mission aimed to support underprivileged communities and strengthen bilateral ties. Belize, a Central American nation with a population of around 500,000, is one of Taiwan's 12 diplomatic allies.
Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño visited the medical mission and personally thanked the team for their contributions. Belize’s Health Minister Kevin Bernard also presented the team with a certificate of gratitude.
NATMA’s medical team consisted of 33 U.S.-based doctors, including over 10 Taiwanese Americans and more than 20 others from various ethnic backgrounds who regularly participate in NATMA’s humanitarian efforts. They visited Belize from October 12 to 20.
The mission provided free medical services across three locations including the capital Belmopan, Belize City, and Orange Walk, Briceño’s hometown. Services included family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, surgical services, obstetrics, ophthalmology, dentistry, and traditional Chinese medicine.
During their visit, the team donated more than US$20,000 worth of medicines and medical supplies to Belize's Ministry of Health. They also pledged to return to train local surgeons in laparoscopic surgery techniques.