1. Virtual Health Library in Belize

2. 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

3. 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)Matrix Format  September 2004 - Project Proposal developed to acquire fundingProposal  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/WHOVHL Portal  APRIL – July 2005: VHL Committee looking at ways of getting funding for training needs.

4. 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

5. Activities to be carried out 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