The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) in Belize is urging citizens to reduce their salt intake to combat hypertension and heart disease, the country’s leading cause of death. On May 23, the ministry launched its “SHAKE the Salt habit” campaign with an educational video during a training seminar for community health workers at the Old Belize Pavilion.
The campaign is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and the International Cooperation Development Fund (ICDF) of Taiwan. Nutritionist Floridalma Fajardo Vairez explained that SHAKE is a WHO-endorsed program with five key actions: monitoring salt intake, encouraging the food industry to reduce salt in products, adopting food labeling standards, educating the public, and creating an environment that supports healthy eating.
Nutritionist Robyn Daly of MoHW shared recent data showing that in 2023, heart disease caused 365 deaths out of 2,303 total deaths in Belize. Other leading causes included cancer, diabetes, and cerebrovascular disease. Non-communicable diseases accounted for 35 percent of deaths, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures.
Principal Health Inspector John Bodden noted that while some risk factors like age and family history cannot be changed, lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and smoking can greatly reduce risks. Daly recommended a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats like those in avocados and olive oil, while reducing salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
PAHO has encouraged countries to require warning labels on foods high in salt, sugar, and fat. Many nations in the region have adopted these laws despite opposition from manufacturers. The ideal daily salt intake is under five grams, about one teaspoon, but most people consume twice that amount unknowingly. To cut salt, consumers should avoid processed and canned foods and carefully read nutrition labels.
Nutritionist Kathleen Cho highlighted the ministry’s efforts to reach communities through health workers who offer free health screenings for blood pressure, glucose levels, and body mass index. So far, 1,682 people have participated in 37 screening sessions, with 105 referred for further care. These workers also promote physical activity through group exercises like dance and yoga, encouraging social support for healthier habits.
The campaign’s long-term goal is to collaborate with food manufacturers to lower sugar and salt in processed foods and place clear warning labels on packaging. Public education will also focus on teaching people to use herbs and spices as alternatives to salt. Starting this education early in schools is key, as it is easier to form healthy habits in children than to change adult diets later in life.
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