Virtual Health Library

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• Virtual Health Library
• in Belize

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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Thank you