Virtual Health Library in Belize

INITIATIVE

VHL initiative launched in October 2003 by PAHO/WHO Belize

A means of joining the expanding network of Internet libraries on health sciences information throughout Latin America and the Caribbean

October- December 2003: National Advisory Committee formed and functional

Membership from the Ministry of Health, the University of Belize, PAHO/WHO Belize, Nurses Association of Belize, Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, the National Library Service as Executive Coordinator, Belize Family Life Association, National Drug Abuse Control Council, Coastal Zone Management Agency, and the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

National Press Release on the VHL Initiative

ADVANCES

January 2004 - Survey carried out and identified weakneses such as Computer equipment needs Training needs

March 2004 – Workshop on Project Management supported by PAHO/WHO Belize

June 2004 - Formulation of a 2 year Action Plan (Matrix Format)

September 2004 - Project Proposal developed to acquire funding

October 2004 – proposal sent out to Donor Agencies BTL, Michael Ashcroft Foundation, British High Commission, Japanese

Overseas Cooperation, UNICEF, IDB, OAS

March 2005 - VHL Portal developed and supported by BIREME/PAHO/WHO

APRIL – July 2005: VHL Committee looking at ways of getting funding for training needs.

CHALLENGES

Funds needed to continue with the VHL project and acquire Computer equipment

Training Needs remain a priority Institutional and National support

needed especially from Government

Loss of Interest in Stakeholders and members

Activities to be carriedout immediately Belize VHL Project to gain National

Ownership VHL Committee strengthened and

organized Training in the implementation of

the VHL to potential institutions at national level

Adhere to the VHL Action plan